Most people panic when they get arrested. As they experience a surge of adrenaline, they tend to become violent, often blurting out something they weren’t supposed to. However, in these situations, you need to behave just the opposite way, keeping your composure at all times.
In this article, we’ll go through do’s and don’ts after getting arrested. Make sure to read this piece carefully, as it might reduce your sentence and get you home quickly.
What Happens After an Arrest?
After being arrested, you’ll likely go through a standard procedure that involves the following:
· Getting Searched
The first thing police staff will do is frisk you. This is vital in case of violent crimes, but also when officers suspect you might have some other form of contraband. Everything seized during this time will be used as evidence.
· Getting Booked
Once you reach the police station, the staff will take photos and fingerprints, as well as your personal information. If they place you in jail, they’ll also confiscate all items on your persona, which will be kept until your release. A person accused of a crime will remain in jail until they face a judge or a bail bondsman posts a bail.
You must remember that police can’t keep you in prison for more than 48 to 72 hours. If you don’t have a court appointment by then, they’ll be forced to release you regardless of your crimes. There are also situations where the police book a person and release them immediately.
· Being Questioned
There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Miranda rights. According to them, an imprisoned person has the right to remain silent until their lawyer arrives. Police officers will explain your rights to you beforehand, and you can accept them or relinquish them. However, if you start talking, all the information you provide might be used against you and people close to you.
Things to Do When Arrested
Even before you’re taken to jail, you need to pay attention to your behavior. The best course of action is to keep to yourself and follow these rules:
· Remain Calm
Whether you’re right or wrong, it’s in your best interest to remain calm and let the police officers do the talking. Sudden movements might get you punched or even shot, so try to slow yourself down. Arguing is also counterproductive, as police might charge you with resisting arrest.
· Wait for Lawyer
It is within your rights to say nothing and wait for your lawyer. In fact, you might want to avoid any form of communication, whether it’s verbal or nonverbal. Still, keep in might that you’ll have to give officers your name and address, as they must identify you.
After that, all you need to do is notify the officers, and you’ll remain silent and wait for the attorney. Be very careful at this point, as many people engage in silly chat with the police, sharing incriminating information in the process. Keep in mind that officers will give you a public defender if you can’t afford one.
· Memorize Names and Numbers
Arrests are not always a clean business. There are many cases where police officers use unnecessary force or step out of the boundaries in some other way. In these situations, you can make a complaint about a person by memorizing or writing down their name and badge number. The information might also be used in the court when sharing your side of the story.
· Make a Phone Call
As you’ve probably seen in movies, people in jail have the right to make a phone call. The intelligent thing to do in these situations is to call an attorney. If you don’t know anyone, you can ask officers for a local lawyer to register.
Alternatively, you can call one of the family members so they can find a lawyer for you. However, during non-attorney calls, the officers have the right to listen to your conversations and use information disclosed during them. So, be careful as to what you’re saying!
Things to Avoid When Arrested
Making any mistake can be costly when arrested. So, these are the things you should avoid:
· Don’t Fight or Run
No matter what you think, the police will catch you sooner than later. Running or fighting will only prolong your agony and increase the list of charges. The worst thing that might happen is fighting with a cop and seriously injuring them in the process. Even cussing or threatening an officer can be interpreted as resisting arrest.
· Don’t Talk to People
Be sure that the police will monitor all your conversations as soon as you reach the police station. Besides talking to staff and family members, you should also avoid talking to inmates. Even a short chat with a person sitting nearby can get you in trouble.
Even if you think that a conversation is completely harmless, the prosecutor might read between the lines and use it against you. It’s critical to avoid jokes or irony, as they’re the fastest way to get in prison.
· Don’t Allow Search
Unless you’ve been arrested and charged with something, a police officer doesn’t have the right to search you. They will ask you for a permit, but you don’t have to allow it. If they perform the search despite your refusal, you can use it as a viable legal argument for eliminating any evidence found during the process.
· Don’t Give Phone Access
Another common mistake is giving up your phone and its access code. The police officer will ask you to turn over the device, which you have the right to refuse. It’s worth noting that the officers need to have a warrant to search your computer and other equipment with personal data.
If you do decide to give them a phone, make sure that the lock is on. They can’t force you to open it anyway, and if they do, this would be a breach of your rights.
Conclusion
Even with your best effort, there’s still a chance you’ll disclose some important information to the cops. This is why you need to ask for legal assistance as soon as possible. Your lawyer will do the talking for you and make a plea deal if it’s available.
Don’t try to act smart or negotiate with the police. They have well-structured policies they abide by at all times. Even if they breach their jurisdiction, it’s something you can use in your favor to drop the case or get a settlement with the local authorities.
