Do You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Wetumpka?

Matt Matthews • April 15, 2023
Criminal Defense in Wetumpka, AL

Do You Always Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer after an Arrest in Wetumpka?

No matter the circumstances, getting arrested is never a pleasant experience. Due to the stress, you might not know how to act or what to do next. 


Since getting arrested is always a serious situation, hiring a Wetumpka criminal defense lawyer is always in your best interests. At the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews Jr., our lawyers can help immediately after your arrest, even if no charges have been filed yet. 


If You Choose Not To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney, What Are The Potential Consequences?

Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of trying to handle their own criminal arrests and charges. This is a problem because even in minor cases, the stakes are always high. You could face fines, jail time, and a criminal record that could have far-reaching effects on the rest of your life. 


Should you not hire a criminal attorney, you risk poorly navigating the legalities of your case. You also risk making numerous mistakes that could have dire consequences and negatively affect your outcome – especially during the arrest stage. 


Police officers often want to question you following an arrest to gather enough evidence to support criminal charges. You might think you can speak with them and clear your name, but in reality, most people end up saying something that the authorities can use against them. 


This is why you should hire an attorney as soon as you’ve been arrested, as they will know what to do and can guide you to make the right decisions. 


Your Miranda Rights

When you are detained by the police, and they want to question you about the alleged crime, they must first inform you of your Miranda rights. These include:

  • The right to remain silent
  • The right to have an attorney present


Many people believe that invoking these rights and “lawyering up” will only make them look guilty. However, exercising your Miranda rights cannot be used against you in a criminal case. On the other hand, anything you say to the police without an attorney can and will be used against you. 


It is always wise to politely inform the police that you are invoking your rights. Do not answer any material questions; instead, contact our law firm for assistance. We can represent you in any further police communications. 


How Can A Criminal Defense Lawyer Help?

Immediately following your arrest, we can do many things to help, including:

  • Be present for all police communications
  • Work to get your bond reduced or eliminated when necessary
  • Work to avoid charges in the first place
  • Handle the entire criminal process for you if charges are issued


Contact A Wetumpka Criminal Defense Attorney Today To Discuss Your Arrest

Ultimately, it’s best to hire a trusted Wetumpka criminal defense attorney right after you’ve been arrested. An attorney from the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. will work to help to minimize the consequences you face post-arrest and throughout the criminal process. Do not wait to contact us here, and we will ensure you have the help you need during this difficult time. 

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. 


The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. serves Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, the River Region of Alabama and throughout the State of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka Prattville, Selma and Tuskegee. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or emailing Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr.. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure. 

Close-up of a person with a bandaged or casted hand signing a document on a clipboard with their
By Tommy House December 1, 2025
Learn how Alabama’s strict contributory negligence rule affects personal injury claims, the key exceptions, and how to protect your right to compensation.
A man and a woman inspecting the damage to the front of a silver car and the rear of a black car
By Tommy House December 1, 2025
Learn the essential steps to take immediately after an Alabama automobile accident to protect your legal rights, secure evidence, and strengthen your compensation claim.
Role of Medical Evidence in Personal Injury Claims
By Matt Matthews November 1, 2025
Discover why medical records and expert testimony are vital in personal injury lawsuits. Learn how strong evidence can maximize your compensation.
When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
By Matt Matthews November 1, 2025
Learn when to hire a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights after a workplace injury.
By Matt Matthews October 2, 2025
Learn how contributory negligence impacts Alabama personal injury cases and why even partial fault can affect your right to compensation.
workers’ compensation claim
By Matt Matthews October 1, 2025
Learn how to file and manage your workers’ compensation claim with this step-by-step guide. Simplify the process and secure the benefits you deserve.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Personal Injury Accident
By Matt Matthews September 1, 2025
Learn the essential steps to take right after a personal injury accident to protect your health, document evidence, and strengthen your legal case effectively.
Common Workplace Injuries in Alabama and Prevention Tips
By Matt Matthews September 1, 2025
Discover the most common workplace injuries in Alabama and learn practical prevention strategies to ensure employee safety and reduce risks at work.
Show More