If you’ve been arrested, the first thing you should do is remain SILENT! You may be feeling a range of emotions, from scared to furious, but it’s important to remember that how you act can impact the outcome of your case.
Some of us get very chatty when we’re nervous. Don’t. Everything you say can and will be used against you in court.
So – DON’T SAY ANYTHING!
You must tell them your name.
You do NOT have to give them your identification.
You don’t have to consent to search of your person, your vehicle, or anything else. They may search you anyway, but you should state, out loud, that you did not consent to a search.
DO NOT RESIST OR RUN! The moment you resist, you’ve committed a crime. Even if you were innocent before, you’ve now committed a crime.
Here are some tips for what to do next:
-Don’t talk to the police without a lawyer present. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court.
-Ask to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you have legal representation, the better.
-Call a friend or family member and tell them what’s going on. They can be a support system for you during this time.
-Keep track of the time and date of your arrest, as well as any court appearances. This information can be helpful for your lawyer.
-Don’t sign anything until you’ve speakk to your lawyer. If you sign a confession or anything else, it will be very hard to get rid of later.
-Stay positive and don’t give up hope. Getting arrested doesn’t mean you’re automatically guilty. There’s still a chance you can beat the charges against you.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be in a better position to defend yourself and fight the charges.
Stay calm and don’t give up, and you may be able to get through this tough situation.