Each year, over 10 million Americans will be arrested. This may happen for a variety of reasons, and there are even cases when you may feel that you are being arrested for no logical reason or simply found yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. In any case, regardless of the specifics of the situation, knowing what to do and what not to do when getting arrested can make a big difference.
People don’t typically plan on getting arrested or expect it to happen, which can lead them to react irrationally or making mistakes. It’s normal to feel fear, panic, or concern when the police come calling, but if you behave responsibly, reasonably, and know your rights, you’ll be in a much better place to pursue the best possible conclusion. With this in mind, let’s look at some key do’s and don’ts.
Don’t: Resist Arrest
The risks of resisting arrest are simply too great to ignore. Even if you feel that your rights are being violated and that you may be being arrested unlawfully, there will be a time and place to settle that sort of issue later on.
A lawyer will be able to help you fight your case and get the result you want, but if you resist arrest, the charges against you may start to multiply and you could put yourself in serious danger too. Even something as simple as trying to push an officer’s hand away from you could transform your minor misdemeanor case into a serious felony, so follow the orders and keep calm.
Do: Contact a Lawyer
Getting immediate legal assistance is absolutely one of the first things that should be on your mind if you get arrested. It’s vital to have a lawyer on your side to be able to fight your case and help you understand what exactly you’re being charged with and how you can deal with it.
Going into any kind of legal situation without a legal expert by your side can be a recipe for disaster, and many people lack even the most fundamental levels of knowledge regarding their possible legal course of action. A lawyer will guide you through the whole process, step by step, helping you make the right decisions.
Don’t: Let Police in Without a Warrant
Police typically need a warrant to enter your home, so if they turn up at the door and ask to come inside and you don’t want them to, you’re perfectly within your rights to say no. You also have the right to stay indoors and speak to them through the doorway, rather than being made to step outside.
Similarly, if you get arrested outside your home and the officers ask to go inside or offer to take you inside, this may just be a way for them to get legal access to the property in order to start searching through your things, so you’re within your rights to decline.
Do: Stay Silent
There’s a good reason why arresting officers have to inform everyone they arrest of their right to remain silent: it’s because that right could be a make or break factor in determining how your future case plays out. Staying silent could be the difference maker in terms of keeping you from a lengthy sentence or helping you stay out of jail altogether.
So, if you do get arrested, make the most of your right to silence and don’t say a thing. It’s often much wiser to keep your thoughts and words to yourself and wait a while to discuss the case with your lawyer. Anything you tell the police may be used against you, and protesting your innocence won’t have any effect on proceedings in any case.
Don’t: Run Away
Running away from an arresting officer is more or less just as bad as resisting arrest. It can lead to additional charges being added to your case, such as attempting to elude or fleeing. It also doesn’t look good, as juries and most people will tend to believe that someone who runs must be guilty, while someone who complies peacefully will be more likely to be found innocent.
Running can even be dangerous, as police may assume that a running suspect could be armed, making them more likely to respond with force or have to tackle you to the ground. So, to avoid all of these risks and issues, the above point still stands: comply with the officer’s orders and cooperate peacefully. There will be a time, once you’ve contacted your attorney, to make your case.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you won’t need to worry about ever getting arrested, but it’s always important to know what to do and how to react, just in case. Be sure to bear these tips in mind if ever you find yourself confronted with an arresting officer.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
Online Men’s Lifestyle Magazine on Gear, Grooming, Girls, Gadgets
