We often associate criminal attorneys with the kinds of cases that often end up on film or television. However, criminal lawyers, also known as criminal defense lawyers and sometimes public defenders, defend people in a wide array of different cases, according to The Balance. They often work to defend not only individuals but organizations and entities that have been charged with crimes as well. The problem is that many people don't know exactly when they need to pick up the phone and call a criminal defense attorney. With that in mind, let's look into some of the different scenarios that would constitute calling a criminal defense lawyer.

1. If You're Being Questioned by Police

It doesn't matter if the police just want to ask you some simple questions. You need to call a criminal defense attorney in order to protect yourself. Perhaps you witnessed an event and weren't involved in the surrounding incident; perhaps you accidentally got roped into something that you didn't want to be involved with. Either way, it's better to be safe and to have an attorney representing you in this situation. Lawyers are there to ensure that your rights are protected, and you shouldn't take those rights for granted.

2. The Police Have Asked You to Sign Something

So you've been asked to sign something by the police. While you may find the document innocuous enough when you first look over it, there could easily be legal issues that you are overlooking. Often, what the police ask you to sign has to do with giving them a release to seize or search something of yours. Before you make this commitment, have a criminal defense attorney look over the documentation and verify that it's safe for you to sign.

3. You've Been Arrested

This may seem to be obvious, but not everyone calls a criminal defense attorney after they are initially arrested for a crime. The reality is that even if you're innocent, even if you believe the evidence strongly points to you being innocent, you need to get in touch with a criminal defense attorney immediately. Politely tell the police that you will not speak any further without your attorney present, and get ready to call your lawyer immediately.

Remember: you have rights no matter what the situation is, and a lawyer can help protect them.