WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE ARRESTED?

1. Do not resist arrest. More then likely if you resist they will charge you with an additional charge. Police will also use force if you resist arrest.

2. If you are told that you are under arrest, give only the name, address, and telephone number of you, your immediate family, and your employer. This information is needed in setting bail.

3. You have the right to remain silent. Say only, "I want to talk to a lawyer." If questions continue, do not answer. Also, do not speak on a video tape or to a district attorney about anything. Remember, it's in the police officers' best interest to get you to incriminate yourself. If you're arrested with somebody else, don't talk with them about the incident in the back of the police car even when the police are not in the car; many police cars now secretly make video or audio recordings of such conversations, they also will record your conversations during your wait in the interview room at the police station.

4. You have a right to make one phone call to your family, lawyer, or organization (remember these phones are being listend to and recorded).

5. Do not consent to any search. If the police say they have a search warrant, ask for a copy. Do not interfere with the search.

6. Ask if you are under arrest, or if you can leave. If you can leave, leave immediately and contact me or another criminal defense attorney.

7. If you have been arrested, ask what you are being charged with.

Remember that police are allowed to mislead, trick, and lie to you to get what they want. They are not trying to help you.

Being arrested is a frightening experience. Stay calm, stay silent, and seek the advice of an attorney as quickly as possible. If you have further questions, feel free to contact me. I can help you protect your rights.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing presented on this website, or sites to which it links, is intended to be legal advice. Such advice can only be provided by an attorney based on a full discussion of a client's individual facts and circumstances. The contents of this website are provided solely for general informational purposes. Therefore, the information provided by this website, or sites to which it links, cannot be warranted for its accuracy. Always seek the advice of a licensed attorney for specific legal problems.