Getting arrested can be one of the most frightening events you ever experience. As a police officer is putting you in handcuffs, you may wonder how much time you’ll have to spend in jail and if this will affect your future. It’s important to pay careful attention to your actions after your arrest, as they can affect the outcome of your case. Here are some of the things you shouldn’t do when arrested:
Don’t Try to Run
No matter how scared you are, you shouldn’t ever try to run away from the police. They will just chase after you and you may be in even worse trouble than you were originally. Police may think that you’re hiding something if you try to run away and may press extra charges you. Running away can also increase your risk of suffering unnecessary injuries.
Don’t Mouth Off to the Police
If you were wrongly arrested and you feel like like the police are treating you unfairly, it can be tempting to be unpleasant toward them. However, this will only hurt you in the end. The police may get angry that you mouthed off to them and try to convince the prosecutor to go harder on you. To avoid additional issues, be as courteous as possible to the police.
Don’t Volunteer Information About Your Case
While it’s important to be polite to the police, that doesn’t mean you should give them information about your case. The police are trained how to question suspects and may even lie to get them to confess to a crime. Whatever you say to the police can later be used against you in court. If they ask to speak to you about your case, politely tell them that you can’t talk without your lawyer present.
Don’t Talk About the Details of Your Case With Family and Friends
When you are dealing with something as stressful as a criminal charge, it can be tempting to talk about it was a trusted family member or friend. However, this can backfire on you. If your friends and family receive a subpoena, they will have to tell the court what you told them. To prevent this, don’t talk about the details about your case with anyone.
Don’t Wait to Hire a Lawyer
A criminal charge isn’t something you want to tackle on your own. It can be extremely stressful and affect your life in many ways. That’s why you should not wait too long to speak to a reputable criminal attorney. He or she can review your case and advise you the best way to proceed. Your lawyer can make you aware of the possible defenses you can use and be there for you every step of the process. With a lawyer on your side, you can improve your chances of getting a favorable outcome on your case.
If you were recently arrested, schedule a consultation with the top reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA trusts today.
Thank you to our friend and contributor Dave Albo – Attorney for his insight into criminal defense and arrests.