What to Do if You’re Arrested: Steps to Take to Protect Your Rights

Being arrested can be a scary and overwhelming experience. However, it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps to protect your rights. Here are some important things to keep in mind if you’re ever arrested:

Remain Calm And Respectful

It’s important to remain calm and respectful when interacting with law enforcement officers. Being hostile or aggressive can make the situation worse and may lead to additional charges.

Exercise Your Right To Remain Silent

One of the most important things you can do if you’re arrested is to exercise your right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer any questions that could incriminate you, and anything you say can be used against you in court. It’s best to wait until you’ve spoken to an attorney before answering any questions.

Ask For An Attorney

If you’re arrested, you have the right to an attorney. If you can’t afford one, a public defender will be appointed for you. It’s important to ask for an attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights throughout the legal process.

Don’t Consent To Searches

If law enforcement officers ask to search you or your property, you have the right to refuse. It’s important to assert your rights and not consent to any searches without a warrant.

Follow All Instructions

While it’s important to assert your rights, it’s also important to follow all instructions given to you by law enforcement officers. This can help avoid further escalation of the situation and may help protect your safety.

Being arrested can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps to protect your rights. Remember to exercise your right to remain silent, ask for an attorney, and not consent to any searches without a warrant. If you’ve been arrested, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and your legal options.