Las Vegas Criminal Lawyer
What Should I Do After Being Arrested for a Crime in Las Vegas?
Board-Certified Nevada Criminal Law Expert Gives Guidance About Preserving Your Rights and Protecting Your Future
Being arrested for a crime in Las Vegas is an incredibly stressful experience, whether it’s your first encounter with the law or if you’ve been arrested before. Understanding what steps to take immediately after your arrest is crucial to protecting your rights and securing your future. Whether you’re facing charges for DUI, drug possession, theft, assault, or more serious offenses like robbery or homicide, the actions you take in the hours and days following your arrest can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Josh Tomsheck, a Nationally Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer at Hofland & Tomsheck, provides expert guidance on how to navigate the difficult period following an arrest in Las Vegas or surrounding communities like Henderson, North Las Vegas, or Boulder City. His years of experience as a former Chief Deputy District Attorney give him unique insight into the criminal justice system and how to build a powerful defense.
1. Stay Calm and Cooperative
The first moments after an arrest can be overwhelming, but it’s critical to remain calm and composed. Whether you’re arrested for a misdemeanor like shoplifting or a serious felony such as drug trafficking, resisting arrest or acting aggressively will only worsen your situation. It’s important to cooperate with law enforcement while also being mindful of your rights. Acting in a calm, respectful manner can help prevent additional charges or escalation.
2. Do Not Discuss Your Case with Law Enforcement
Once you’ve been arrested, law enforcement officers may try to ask you questions about the incident. It’s crucial to remember that you have the right to remain silent. Politely decline to answer any questions without an attorney present. Whether you’re facing accusations of assault, theft, or any other crime, anything you say can be used against you in court. Even seemingly innocent statements can be twisted to build a case against you. The best course of action is to remain silent and wait until you’ve consulted a qualified criminal defense attorney like Josh Tomsheck.
3. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
One of the most important actions you can take after being arrested is to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, and having an attorney on your side early in the process can make a significant difference in how your case proceeds. Josh Tomsheck is a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with a deep understanding of Nevada criminal law. He has successfully defended clients against a wide range of charges, from minor offenses to serious felonies. His experience as a former prosecutor gives him an edge in understanding the strategies the prosecution may use against you.
4. Understand the Seriousness of the Charges Against You
Regardless of whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge, it’s essential to understand the gravity of your situation. Crimes like DUI, drug possession, or domestic violence carry significant penalties, including jail time, fines, and long-term consequences such as a criminal record. More serious offenses like armed robbery, sexual assault, or homicide can result in decades behind bars or even life sentences. Josh Tomsheck can help you understand the specific charges you’re facing and the potential penalties, while also working to mitigate the consequences or get charges reduced or dismissed.
5. Avoid Posting on Social Media
It’s natural to want to share your side of the story or explain what happened, but doing so—especially on social media—can severely harm your case. Anything you post online can be used by the prosecution to build their case against you. This includes photos, status updates, or even comments made in frustration or defense. Stay off social media and avoid discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your attorney. Josh Tomsheck can guide you on how to handle communication about your case to ensure your defense is not compromised.
6. Document the Incident
As soon as you are able, try to write down everything you remember about the events leading up to and during your arrest. The more detailed, the better. If you were arrested for DUI, note where you were stopped, whether field sobriety tests were administered, and if any breath or blood tests were taken. If it’s a drug-related arrest, recall where you were, what you were doing, and how law enforcement interacted with you. This information could be crucial in developing a defense strategy. Josh Tomsheck will review all these details to identify any procedural errors or rights violations that could lead to a dismissal of charges.
7. Comply with Court Orders and Bail Conditions
If you are released on bail, it’s essential to follow all court orders and bail conditions to the letter. Whether the conditions involve checking in with a pretrial officer, attending court dates, or refraining from certain activities, failure to comply can result in additional penalties or the revocation of your bail. Josh Tomsheck can help you understand these conditions and keep you informed of your obligations as your case progresses.
8. Prepare for Your Court Appearances
Whether it’s a misdemeanor theft charge or a more serious felony like a Federal Crime or Gun Charge, you will need to appear in court. Josh Tomsheck will prepare you for each appearance, ensuring you understand the proceedings and what to expect. He will be with you every step of the way, providing strategic advice and representation to help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
9. Understand the Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction
A conviction for any crime in Nevada can have long-lasting consequences beyond fines and jail time. You could face difficulty finding employment, loss of professional licenses, housing challenges, and damage to your personal and professional reputation. Certain convictions, such as those related to domestic violence or drug trafficking, can also result in the loss of your right to own firearms. Josh Tomsheck understands the potential ripple effects of a conviction and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and avoid these long-term consequences.
10. Start Building Your Defense Right Away
The sooner you begin working with a criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Whether you’re facing charges for drug possession, burglary, DUI, or even more serious crimes like homicide, having an experienced attorney by your side is critical. Josh Tomsheck will investigate every aspect of your case, challenge the evidence, and build a defense strategy tailored to your situation. From negotiating reduced charges to fighting for a full acquittal, Josh will leverage his years of experience to protect your future.
Why Choose Josh Tomsheck for Your Criminal Defense?
Josh Tomsheck is a Nationally Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with an exceptional track record of defending clients in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. As a former Chief Deputy District Attorney, he has unique insights into how the prosecution operates and can use this knowledge to craft powerful defense strategies. His experience spans a wide range of criminal cases, including
No matter the charge, Josh Tomsheck will fight to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Contact Josh Tomsheck Today for Expert Legal Defense
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime in Las Vegas, Henderson, or anywhere in Nevada, contact Josh Tomsheck at Hofland & Tomsheck immediately. With his extensive experience and dedication to client success, Josh is ready to provide the expert defense you need. Don’t leave your future to chance—let Josh Tomsheck fight for you.
For more information, visit the LV Criminal Law Center at Hofland & Tomsheck today.
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