If you are accused of a crime, here are some simple suggestions:  

If you are stopped by the police:

1. Cooperate with the identification process.

2. Exercise ALL of your rights.

     A. Remain silent.

     B. Request an attorney be present BEFORE answering any questions.

     C. If a DUI/DWI, do NOT submit to a field sobriety test until your attorney is present.

If you are charged with a crime and summoned to court:

1. Retain an attorney immediately. Do not try to handle this yourself.

2. Never plead guilty at your first court appearance.

3. If you must plead, plead NOT GUILTY and request a jury trial (this does not obligate you to a jury trial, but it does preserve your rights). Consult with an attorney as soon as humanly possible.  

4. When meeting with your attorney, provide him/her with all of the relevant facts. Do not withhold information.