Easter weekend is a time of family togetherness and religious services for those of multiple faiths. Even for non-religious families, it is still normally a weekend of family togetherness. After all this time of year is all about family togetherness and spending time with loved ones. Though, what families do not expect is to have one of their members arrested. Unfortunately, this is exactly what two locals are facing.
The arrests
According to the Brookhaven Police Department, two locals, one from Lawrenceville and the other from Norcross, were arrested in Dekalb County, Georgia, this past Sunday and Tuesday. Each was arrested for an Easter Sunday armed robbery of a 17-year-old and murder of a 19-year-old that occurred in Brookhaven. The two men now face armed robbery charges stemming from the alleged robbery of the 17-year-old and murder charges for the murder of the 19-year-old.
What to do when one is facings serious criminal charges
Serious criminal charges can ruin one’s life. With monetary penalties in the thousands and potential incarceration time in the decades, serious criminal charges related to theft, assaults and the like, must be handled with care and with an attorney. This is why it is so important to take these charges seriously.
First, when arrested, remain silent. For most, our gut reaction when dealing with police is to cooperate and answer questions freely. However, please remember that the police are not on the accused side, they are on the prosecutor’s side. And, anything one says to them can, and will, be used against them in any subsequent court proceeding. Even something that may seem innocuous or mundane can ruin one’s case.
This is why it is so important to remain silent and only ask for an attorney. If the police say that one is not needed, then ask to be released. If they do not allow one to leave, then ask for an attorney. Keep doing until an attorney arrives or one is released.
For those in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and the Atlanta area generally facing criminal charges, contact an attorney immediately. It can be the most important phone call one makes in their entire life because it can be the difference between freedom and incarceration, or at the vary least, ensure that one is incarcerated for as little time as possible.