Looting is a serious crime that can lead to imprisonment and serious legal consequences. If you have been arrested for looting, you may be wondering what to do next. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what you should do if you’re arrested for looting in California.
What Is Looting?
In California, looting is defined as committing acts of petty theft, grand theft, or burglary during a state of emergency. This kind of emergency can be caused by various events like storms, earthquakes, riots, fires, or floods, which disrupt personnel, facilities, or services in a specific area.
What to Do if You’re Arrested for Looting in California
Being arrested for looting can be a scary and overwhelming experience. It is essential to remain calm and take immediate steps to protect your rights. The five tips listed below can help you navigate the legal system and prepare a strong defense:
- Ask for a lawyer: The first step you should take is to ask for an attorney. Do not worry about appearing guilty. We all have the right to consult a lawyer. Often a good attorney will advise you on the next steps.
- Hire an attorney: Once you have asked for a lawyer, take that opportunity to contact a qualified attorney who has experience in handling looting cases. A good defense attorney will explain your rights, provide legal advice, and help you build a strong defense strategy. They will also ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
- Stay silent: Do not say anything until your lawyer arrives. Exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you, so avoid answering any questions or making statements.
- Post bail: If you have been arrested for looting, you may be held in police custody until your arraignment. The court may require you to pay bail to be released. If possible, post bail. This could involve paying the bail yourself, having a friend or family member pay the bail for you, or having a bail bondsman bail you out.
- Gather evidence: If you believe you were wrongly accused of looting, it is essential to gather as much evidence as possible. This may include photographs, videos, and statements from witnesses who can testify on your behalf. Building a solid defense requires thorough research and investigation, and an attorney is the best person to assist you in this process.
If you find yourself dealing with criminal charges for looting in California, it's incredibly important to understand your rights and reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney. Here at Appel & Morse, our skilled legal team boasts over four decades of collective experience. With our extensive expertise, we're able to construct compelling and effective defense strategies for our clients. We're fully committed to exploring every option to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Give us a call at (805) 467-6060 or reach out to us online today to schedule a free consultation.