How to Behave If You Are Arrested

No one wants to wind up in police custody. The process of being arrested and charged with a crime is stressful and can heighten emotions. It is those heightened emotions that often get people in more trouble than they were in to begin with. If you find yourself arrested this holiday season or at any other time of year, here are some things you want to avoid and a few things you want to do.

What Not to Do

One of the worst things you can do is to argue and fight with the police. It doesn’t matter at this point if you disagree with your arrest. Fighting the police will land you with more charges and make the process of fighting your original charges more difficult. Here are other things that are best avoided:

1. Talking Freely

Do not say anything to the police that you don’t have to. You do not have to answer questions related to the alleged crime without a lawyer present. If you start talking, the police will listen.

2. Ask for Unnecessary Medical Attention

People have been using this tactic for decades. Do not ask for medical attention that you don’t need. If the police transport you to a hospital, you are still in custody. Don’t use a fake illness to attempt to secure your release.

3. Adopt a Group Mentality

Protesting is hot right now. Unfortunately, protesting often leads to a type of group mentality. If you are caught up in a protest and arrested, resist the urge to yell and scream at the police, no matter what anyone else is doing.

4. Call Work

Don’t panic and call off of work from the jail phone. If you must call off of work, ask an attorney to do it for you or have a friend set up a three-way phone call. That way there is no odd number on your employer’s caller ID, and there is no recording announcing your whereabouts.

Things You Should Do

Along with several things that you don’t want to do if you have been arrested, there are things that you do want to do.

1. Answer (Some) Questions

The police will need your personal information to get you into the system. Answer questions that pertain to your identification, such as date of birth, Social Security number and address. These things are factual and cannot be used against you later. However, do not answer any questions related to the alleged crime.

2. Be Respectful

Remember that you don’t have to agree with your arrest, but being respectful can play well in your favor later on. Be as polite as possible despite the circumstances, even if the police are anything but.

3. Contact a Lawyer

One of the first things you will want to do after you have been arrested is contact an attorney. A lawyer will give you advice, help secure your release and represent you as your case moves forward. If you cannot find an appropriate attorney from jail, ask that a family member do so for you. Again, when you request an attorney, do so politely but firmly. If the police question you after your request, tell them you will answer questions only when your attorney is present.

If you have been arrested for a crime in Orlando, call our office and set up an appointment for a free case evaluation. We will listen to the details of your arrest and charges and advise you of your options. Call today.