In the United States, you are considered innocent until you are found guilty. But if you are the suspect in a crime or being investigated for a crime, you may not feel like they think you are innocent at all. If you know you are the suspect in a crime or are being investigated for a crime, you have the right to hire a criminal defense attorney even if you have not yet been charged with a crime. If you are in this position, you may wonder if you should hire one. There are many benefits associated with hiring a criminal defense attorney before you are charged with a crime. Here are a few of those benefits:

Ensure You Don't Say Anything Incriminating During Interviews

One of the biggest advantages to hiring a criminal defense attorney before you are charged with a crime is that the attorney can be present during police interviews and interrogations. They can advise you on what questions to answers, what questions not to answer and how to word your answers to the questions you are asked. This helps to ensure that you do not say anything that may look suspicious, cast doubt on your story or incriminates yourself. 

Makes Sure Your Rights are Not Violated During Interrogations

Another benefit to hiring a criminal defense attorney before you are charged with a crime is that an attorney can ensure that your rights are not violated. You have rights when it comes to being interrogated. Unless you are charged with a crime, you have the right to leave when you want. There are also laws in regards to how long the questioning can go on if you do happen to get charged, and how long you can be questioned without being provided food, water and access to a bathroom. An attorney will ensure the questioning is legal and that your rights were not violated. 

Can Help Fast Track a Possible Trial 

The last benefit to hiring a criminal defense attorney before being charged with a crime is that they have the opportunity to begin developing a defense for your case, talking to witness and obtaining important information before you are even charged. If you do get charged, this can help them to fast track your case. This is important, especially if you are sitting in jail until your trial date. 

If the police are questioning you in regards to a crime, you have the right to ask for an attorney at any point in time. If you feel like you are a suspect, there are many reasons you may want to hire a criminal defense attorney now, rather than waiting to see if you will be charged with a crime. Learning the benefits of doing so may help you decide whether to hire a criminal defense attorney to assist you now or whether you should wait. 

Contact a law office like Lowry Law Firm for more information and assistance.