Top 10 Things To Do When You Are Arrested
Being arrested is not a pleasant experience. However, as the saying goes, things can always get worse. If you are going to be arrested, it is very unlikely that you can convince the police to let you go.
So, the following are the top 10 things to do during your arrest:
1-Remain polite.
If you remain polite, it is less likely that your encounter will get physical.
2-Provide your name, address, date of birth and politely let them know you are invoking your 5th Amendment right to remain silent. Then REMAIN QUIET.
When they say that anything you say can be held against you, understand that it will.
3-Request that your family or friend that is present take vehicle or personal items into their possession.
If they allow your someone to take control of your vehicle, it will not be impounded accruing fees till you are able to get out and recover it.
4-Have your family or friends get the names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene.
You may have a defense from your charges, it is more convincing if it comes from multiple witnesses.
5-Provide your Driver’s License.
This will give the information the police need, so that you don’t have to engage in a conversation with them. The more you speak, the more likely it is that you will say something wrong.
6-Stay alert on your ride to the jail (you are likely be video taped).
We have seen to many videos of the police taking a very long path to the jail and the person under arrest falls asleep. Generally, there is a camera looking right at them. This supports their contention that they passed out.
7-Hire an attorney asap.
The sooner your attorney is involved the quicker they can start working on your defense. Many wait till a hearing date, so that the detectives have already gotten to all potential witnesses without someone supporting the defendant’s position.
8-Have your lawyer present whenever you are questioned.
Most people do not understand the elements of their state laws. The police are always attempting to establish a conviction. Your attorney will make sure that you do not say something that can be twisted into helping establish your guilt of a crime.
9-When they ask you to sign your property slip, read it to make sure what is on it.
We hear all the time how our clients do not get all their items back when they are released from jail. This can be controlled if you make sure all your items are listed on your property slip.
10-Once you are bonded out, OBEY your restrictions.
Whenever, you are released on bond, there will be restrictions. If you violate those restrictions, you could go back to jail until your case is resolved.
These are all simple tasks. If you obey them, a bad experience will not be made worse.