According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2011 there were 3991.1 arrests for every 100,000 people living in America. This means that in just one year, one in 25 Americans was arrested. Arrests can be damaging even if they do not result in criminal charges. It can no doubt be a stressful event for you and your family members. You may not be able to think clearly and make the right decisions to protect your legal rights.
Most people do not know when they are arrested until it actually happens. You don’t generally expect to get arrested. However, if this happens, it is important to know what steps to take to protect your legal rights and ensure that you get the best defense possible for the charges you are facing.
Important Steps To Take If You Have Been Arrests
Everyone has rights, even when you are arrested. Amongst your rights, are the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. You also have to be treated with respect as long as you are respectful to the arresting officers. Below are five important steps you should take after an arrested.
- Ask for an attorney. One step that is important for you to take after an arrest if you are being investigated for a crime is to ask for a Fresno criminal defense attorney. Talking to the police without an attorney can seriously jeopardize your case and impact your attorney’s ability to defend your case.
- Invoke your right to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution provides you the right to remain silent after an arrest. You should use this constitutional right and opportunity to “lawyer up” and protect your legal rights.
- Do not resist arrest or flee. Regardless of whether you believe you are innocent or not, it is never a good idea to fight back with authority or attempt to run away. Resisting or flee during arrest will only worsen the situation and result in additional charges. Instead, it is best for you to comply with law enforcement and then exercise your right to request a criminal defense attorney.
- Be respectful. Your right to be treated with respect during an interrogation or arrest is only exercised by the police if you act respectfully and avoid using foul or abusive language or physical threats.
- Remember the facts of your arrest. It is important to remember the details of your arrest. If something goes wrong, your Stockton criminal defense attorney may need the details to protect your legal rights.
Perhaps the most important step to take is to retain an experienced attorney with a successful track record. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your chances are of a successful defense.
Call an Experienced Fresno Criminal Defense Attorney
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with criminal defense attorney Gurjit Srai, please call us at (209) 323-5558 or (559) 314-2796, or complete our online form.