What To Do If You're Arrested

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By: LawInfo

Published: 12/2009

It can be difficult to think clearly after an arrest. Many arrestees are scared about the social stigmas, personal consequences, financial consequences, legal consequences and the affect of the arrest on their families. However, it is important to remain focused and to take the steps necessary to ensure that all of your rights are protected. At the time of your arrest, a police officer should provide you with your Miranda Rights. These are not just a formality but rather an important part of your arrest.

Communication with the Police

The Miranda Rights include your right to remain silent. This is an important right grounded in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution which protects a person from being a witness against himself in a criminal trial. While you should identify yourself upon police request by stating your name and address or providing your driver’s license or state ID, you are not required to answer further questions asked to you by a police officer. However, it is in your best interest to be polite. For example, you can calmly state that you will not be answering questions until you have consulted with your attorney.

While you are not required to answer the questions posed by police officials, you are required to remain in their custody until your attorney has secured your release or a judge has established bail which you have met. You should never try to escape from police custody. This will only compound the charges against you and increase your chances of remaining in jail.

Remember the Circumstances of Your Arrest

Sometimes things go wrong during an arrest. An officer may violate your rights or use excessive force, for example. These details may be important in your personal defense and are always important for the officer’s superiors to be aware of. For these reasons, it is important that you pay careful attention to everything that happens during your arrest and write it down as soon as possible after your arrest. Witnesses to your arrest can also be important in this regard and may be able to testify about any police misconduct or error that occurred during your arrest. Many police cruisers are equipped with video surveillance that may be obtained during the discovery phase of a trial and can be an important piece of evidence if you are alleging police misconduct or that you did not commit the crime in question.

Right to be Represented by Counsel

Your lawyer can help you at the time of your arrest and throughout your criminal proceedings. After you provide the police with your name, address and telephone number you are not obligated to speak with them without your attorney present. Remember, if you cannot afford a lawyer then the court will appoint a defense lawyer to your case.

Your criminal defense lawyer can start helping you as soon as you call him after your arrest. Your lawyer will help you through police interrogation, bail hearings, plea bargaining and all aspects of your trial.