Remember how stressful, overwhelming, and confusing the event of your arrest was? Would you want a repeat of that? If your answer is no, you probably want to know why you were under stress during that event.
Whether you are innocent or guilty during the arrest, you have rights that should protect you. The fact that you are not aware of your rights makes you vulnerable during the arrest event. A Fort Worth criminal lawyer notes that the more vulnerable you are during the arrest, the more likely you are to impact your own case negatively.
What Should You Do in case of an Arrest?
The policemen on the arrest scene are working hard to obtain evidence for the success of their work. On the other hand, you should make their work difficult in that scenario, for the sake of your case. When you understand what to do after the arrest, you protect yourself and the future of your case.
Here are the five important steps you should take after an arrest:
1. Remain Silent, Do Not Argue with the Arresting Agents
You may want to start explaining to the police about what happened and end up in an argument. The police may also deliberately agitate you so that you can talk and aggravate the situation. Be the bigger person and remain silent.
Do not engage in a conversation with the police because you might say things that negatively impact your case. In addition to remaining silent, you can waive your Miranda rights, stating that you should remain silent.
2. Do Not Resist Arrest
You may be tempted to resist the arrest because you know that you are not in the wrong. However, resisting an arrest may be interpreted that you are not cooperating with the officers. Not cooperating with the officers may be an additional charge to your arrest.
Nobody wants to have additional criminal charges to their accusations. So, the next time you are arrested, do not fight back the police officers making the arrest.
3. Contact Your Attorney
Everybody has rights and protections under the constitution. For example, the constitution allows criminals, whether innocent or guilty, the right to legal representation. In the event of an arrest, you can invoke your Miranda rights and ask to contact your attorney.
Having legal representation will help you in cooperating with the police. Interrogation without legal representation is a threat to your case. Your lawyer knows what to do and what not to disclose.
4. Be Respectful Towards the Arresting Officers
Despite the situation, always be respectful. You may want to ask for specific provisions, but it depends on how well you do it. Whether you want to speak to your lawyer or update the police on your new address, do it respectfully.
If the police get an idea that you are disrespectful, they may react negatively and make your chances of winning the case difficult.
5. Identify Important Evidence for Your Case
The arresting scene is a landmine of evidence, both substantial and negligible. After requesting and speaking to your lawyer, identify evidence that could help your case. Evidence is vital to help your lawyer in boosting your case.
An Arrest Does Not Mean a Conviction
After an arrest, a lot comes into play for the police to make a case. Whether you are speeding or driving under the influence, you need to consider the above five things before anything else. An arrest is not a conviction. Be vigilant, and you will save yourself a severe sentence.