Getting arrested can be a frightening and stressful experience, especially if it’s your fist time being put in handcuffs. Below, we explain what you should and shouldn’t do if you are arrested by law enforcement.
If you are accused of committing a crime, do the following things:
- Remain silent and remember that anything you say to police can be used against you in court.
- Although you do not have to answer questions asked by police, make sure you are polite and respectful.
- Ask to speak to your attorney and do not answer any questions unless your lawyer is present.
- Do your best to remember the badge number and patrol car number of the arresting officer.
- If you are arrested for DUI, make sure your lawyer is present for any chemical testing you submit to.
- Let your attorney handle the negotiation process with prosecutors.
- If you sustain injuries during the arrest, try to get photos and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Track down any witnesses who saw you get arrested.
Do not do the following things if you are arrested by police:
- Do not answer any questions about the crime you have been accused of committing.
- Never deliberately disrespect or mouth-off to the arresting officer.
- Do not speak to any cellmates about why you were arrested.
- Never give police permission to search you or your property.
- Never resist police, even if you have not committed a crime. Resisting an officer can lead to additional criminal charges.
- Do not trust an officer to stick to their word after you have been arrested. Police are allowed to lie and will often make the charges against you seem worse than they actually are in order to scare you into cooperating.
- Do not let police into your home unless they show you a warrant.
Speak to a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been accused of a crime, you should immediately consult with our lawyers to discuss your rights under the law. At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, our legal team is dedicated to helping clients in Dayton defend their rights. Let us help you secure justice today.
Call (937) 685-7006 to request your free case evaluation with a criminal defense attorney in Dayton.