Most arrests are usually sudden and unexpected. For this reason, people under arrest are emotionally troubled and disturbed after an arrest. An arrest could be very devastating; however, things will get worse if you don’t comport yourself well during and after the arrest. The point of arrest is very crucial as your actions or words there could go a long way in determining the outcome of your case. This is why you must tread carefully during an arrest. There are guidelines you should follow when under an arrest to fast-track your freedom from the charges laid against you. Following these guidelines will lay the foundation for the best outcome you can get during your case.
Nobody wants an arrest. Nevertheless, it is essential to know the right steps to take after an arrest. They will help you work your way through the situation just in case an unexpected arrest happens.
Here are the top 10 things to avoid during an arrest:
1. Do not act out of emotions
2. Do not resist arrest
3. Do not talk Unnecessarily
4. Avoid implicating another person
5. Do not allow a search without a warrant
6. Avoid not getting a lawyer
7. Do not do anything without the consent of your lawyer
8. Do not hide information from your lawyer
9. Do not discuss your case with anyone
10. Avoid emotional discussions with law enforcement
While you are emotionally troubled during an arrest, you still do not want to act out of your emotions. Decisions taken under emotional duress are usually not the best decisions to take. When you encounter an arrest, endeavor to be calm. What you want is to get out of the arrest, not to do anything that will further confirm the charges laid against you. Being calm helps you successfully process the right step to take after your arrest.
Avoid resisting arrest when you are being arrested. Don’t argue with the law enforcement officers when they are trying to arrest you. Avoid running away or getting physical with the officers. This will only arouse their suspicions more. Resisting arrest is a criminal charge and will only complicate the situation more.
After giving the police officers your basic identification information, avoid any further conversations with them. Remember, any discussions you have with them will be recorded and can be used against you during court proceedings on the case. Your right to remain silent is not just a cliché that is recited during an arrest, it is your constitutional right. Exercise it!
Do not allow the police to search your personal property without a warrant. It is your constitutional right to disallow such a search if a warrant is not presented for it. This will prevent any other unnecessary charges or suspicion against you after searching your property. If the police go-ahead to search your property without your consent, don’t resist them. Your attorney will deal with that in court.
One big mistake you should avoid during an arrest is not working with a criminal defense lawyer. As soon as possible, request the assistance of an attorney from the police before doing any other thing. A criminal defense lawyer will guide you on what to say and what not to say when dealing with law enforcement. The earlier you obtain legal counsel, the better the outcome of your case will be. Your first phone call after an arrest should be to your attorney so they will help you out quickly.
While under arrest, don’t take any step without first informing your criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer is there to guide you from making costly mistakes that can worsen your case. Make sure to carry your lawyer along every step of the way. Do not sign any document or give law enforcement any permission without the consent of your attorney. When you are asked to take any step, calmly request for the presence of your lawyer. This will save you a lot of stress and complications in your prosecution.
As regards your case, your lawyer is the person you must be sincere and open to. Avoid hiding any information from your lawyer. Whatever you discuss with your criminal defense lawyer will remain confidential, so you have nothing to worry about. Give your lawyer information about witnesses or any other thing that will help your lawyer defend you. The more information your lawyer has, the more they can help you.
Only what you discuss with your lawyer on your case is truly confidential. You can’t guarantee the confidentiality of information divulged to another person about your case. Therefore, avoid talking to any other person about your case except your lawyer. This includes your family, friends and so on. In addition, you can’t tell who is your true friend especially when you’re under arrest. Your lawyer is your only true friend in an arrest.
Law enforcement officers can try to play on your emotions to trick you into confessing or giving incriminating information to them. Avoid any emotional or sentimental connection with law enforcement. The police are allowed to lie to you or psyche you into giving information that will be used as evidence against you during your court case. Don’t dance to their tune. Request the presence of your attorney when they try to question you. Your attorney will know the best response to give them when they ask leading questions.
The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. No information on this site should be construed or regarded as legal advice for any claim, dispute, or issue. Viewing or receipt of this information does not constitute or intend to establish an attorney-client relationship.
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