Suddenly being arrested can throw just about anyone for a loop, as it's often not something you see coming. Whether you know you are innocent or not, hiring a criminal defense attorney should be a top priority once you get to the jail. Here are three other tips to keep in mind while being arrested.
Resisting Will Only Lead to Additional Charges or Injury
If you're about to be arrested and you know that you are innocent, you may try to plead your case to the police or even resist the arrest. But you need to understand that once police have made the decision to arrest you, they are not going to change their minds. Any attempt to resist will likely lead to additional charges or in a worst case scenario, it could leave you injured if the police feel the need to use physical force to restrain you.
You May Give Some Personal Information But Don't Talk Too Much
If the arresting officer asks for information about you, it's OK to give your name and perhaps the name or phone number of a family member. If you are going to file for bail, you may also be required to give the name of your employer. But other than that, you should not volunteer information to the police without a criminal defense attorney present. Use your right to remain silent, knowing that anything you say will end up in the police report.
Do Not Give Permission to Search
Depending on where you are arrested, the police may express interest in searching your personal property. This could be your vehicle if you are on the side of the road or it could be your home. But unless the police officer has a search warrant, you are not legally obligated to consent to a search of your personal property. If an officer goes ahead with a search without your permission, make note of the officer's name, badge number or license plate number and make it clear that you do not consent to the search.
One of the first things you will need to do upon arriving at a jail following arrest is to contact a local criminal defense attorney like Abom & Kutulakis LLP that can help you navigate your situation. But during the actual arrest, make sure you choose your words and actions carefully to give yourself a chance to beat the case against you. Never resist arrest, keep the information you provide to a minimum and never consent to a search without a warrant. For more information, reach out to a defense attorney today.
