Whether you are innocent or guilty, being arrested can be a stressful and confusing experience. Having a mental game plan can help keep your case straightforward in the event of an arrest. Keep reading for 6 essential tips to help prevent unnecessary complications to your case:
- Remain Calm
Remember that an arrest doesn’t decide your future. You are protected by the law and have access to experienced legal assistance!
- Remember Your Rights
When you are arrested, you’re protected by the Miranda Rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution and are allowed to remain silent. During your arrest, police officers are required to warn you about your “right to remain silent,” according to Law.com. When arrested, you should correctly identify yourself upon police request by stating your name and address or providing your driver’s license or state ID. However, you are not required to answer further questions asked to you by a police officer. You have the right to wait to answer questions (besides your basic identification) until your attorney is present.
- Communicate Politely with the Police
While you aren’t legally required to answer questions, remember that it is always in your best interest to be polite and civil with the police. Experts at Law Info recommend calmly stating that you will not be answering any questions until you have consulted with your attorney.
- Never Try to Escape!
You are not required to answer questions after an arrest but you are required to remain in police custody until your attorney has secured your release or a judge has established bail which you have met. Never ever try to escape from police custody. Doing so will only make your case more complicated and could result in additional jail time and serious additional criminal charges.
- Pay Attention to the Circumstances of Your Arrest
According to Law Info, sometimes things go wrong during an arrest. An officer may violate your rights or use excessive force. These details may be crucial during your defense case! Pay careful attention to everything that happens during your arrest and write it down as soon as possible after your arrest. Witnesses to your arrest can also be important in this regard and may be able to testify about any police misconduct or error that occurred during your arrest. Many police cruisers are equipped with video surveillance that may be obtained during the discovery phase of a trial and can be an important piece of evidence if you are alleging police misconduct or that you did not commit the crime in question. If anything feels off during your arrest, record it and communicate it to your criminal defense attorney!
- Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney ASAP!
Everyone has a right to an experienced criminal defense attorney to help at the time of arrest and throughout criminal proceedings. If you cannot afford the lawyer of your choice, the court will appoint a defense lawyer to your case. is an experienced criminal defense attorney who can start on your case right away and help you through police interrogation, bail hearings, plea bargaining, and all other aspects of your case and trial.
If you’ve been arrested in McAllen, Texas, Tijerina Law Firm is here for you!
Call (956) 261-5609 or set up your free 30-minute consultation by contacting us online.
4016 N. 22nd Street
McAllen, Texas 78504
Phone: (956) 261-5609
Phone: (512) 900-1126
