Most people go on vacation so they can have some time to set all the stresses and worries of their lives to the side. Inevitably, vacationers have to deal with a different kind of stress, especially as they encounter things like flight delays, reservation issues, and jet lag.
But for a small number of vacationers, there’s a much more immediate, more pressing kind of stress. If you’re accused of a crime or arrested while on vacation, you may not know what to do, or even how to handle your own thoughts and feelings during the process.
What exactly are you supposed to do if you’re accused of a crime on vacation?
Stay Calm and Think Rationally
As much as possible, try to remain calm and think rationally. This is going to be a stressful, emotional time, but if you succumb to your emotions, you might make impulsive or irrational decisions. Take things one step at a time, think for the long term, and start putting together a strategy that you feel comfortable with.
a Local Attorney
Next, a criminal defense attorney who practices in the area. It’s important to find someone with authority in the jurisdiction in which you’re accused, as well as someone who specializes in the type of criminal charge you’re facing. Hire the best attorney you can afford, and start the conversation with them as soon as possible.
Your lawyer is going to protect you in every phase of criminal proceedings. They can guide you in answering police questions. They can ensure that your Constitutional rights are not violated. They can help you gather evidence and conduct private investigations. They can even negotiate better plea bargains and argue for you in court.
They’re going to be your lifeline, your guide, and your advisor. Choose wisely if you want the best possible chances of escaping the charges unscathed.
Don’t Talk to the Police
No matter how trustworthy or nice they seem, don’t talk to police officers when you’re being detained or arrested. Police officers are allowed to lie to you, and they will have no qualms about making you feel comfortable and secure so that you’re more likely to incriminate yourself. Even if you’re totally innocent, the best course of action is to simply remain silent, and only answer questions when advised to do so by your lawyer.
Build a Defense
There are several ways you can defend yourself in the realm of criminal law. You might be able to undermine or discredit evidence against you. You might be able to present alternative evidence to show an alternate pattern of occurrences. You might be able to raise certain affirmative defenses. You might also be able to highlight procedural errors.
Together with your lawyer, you can put together a defensive strategy with the highest likelihood of success; that typically means defending yourself in multiple ways.
Cooperate Strategically
Remain polite and compliant with police officers to the extent your lawyer recommends. You don’t need to hand them any information unnecessarily, but you also shouldn’t actively impede them or challenge them.
Conduct Your Own Investigation
Consider conducting your own investigation, with the help of your lawyer. A private investigator may be able to uncover new details or volunteer new pieces of evidence that can exculpate you, or at least attack the prosecutor’s case against you.
Guard Your Reputation
Being accused of a crime can harm your reputation, even if you didn’t commit that crime. Remain aware of this and work proactively to guard your reputation if you can.
Prepare for Proceedings
This is also a good time to prepare for the next steps of criminal proceedings, which your lawyer can help you understand. There is a formal process to follow here, and you should be aware of how it flows.
Get Psychological
Being investigated for a crime can be devastating for your mental health. Throughout this process, try to prioritize your mental health and get psychological if and when you need it. At the very least, you should stay in with your closest friends and family . You should also consider talking to a therapist if one is available to you.
Remain Patient
Criminal proceedings can take a long time, especially in complex cases. This matter may not be fully resolved by the end of your vacation, or even in the first couple of months following your arrest. If you can remain patient and level-headed throughout the process, you’ll be in a much better position to succeed.
Being accused of a crime on vacation ranges from stressful to terrifying. But if you keep your wits about you, if you hire a good criminal defense lawyer, and if you take your time navigating this complicated area, you’ll be able to put yourself in a much better position to succeed.
