What To Do When You’re Arrested

Being arrested is a stressful situation, but knowing what to expect can help you remain calm. Whether you’re innocent or guilty, you should know how to conduct yourself during the process. Here are some tips that should help you pull through.

Understand the Situation

First and foremost, you must understand the situation you’re in. Police officers are allowed to put you under arrest when they have probable cause to do so. You should never resist arrest or run from the police; these actions can make you look guilty even if your record is squeaky clean.

Watch What You Say

While you’re under arrest, you are required to follow the orders of the arresting officer, as long as those orders don’t violate your rights. There are a few things you should never do while you’re under arrest:

  • Make sarcastic or biting remarks.
  • Persist in asking questions.
  • Lie to the officer.
  • Answer questions without a lawyer present.

Get a Lawyer

Getting a lawyer is the first step toward fighting the charges against you. A lawyer can investigate your case, question the officer who arrested you, and help you get your charges reduced or dismissed. If you can’t afford a lawyer, you can ask the judge for a public defender.

Look at Bail Options

Once you’ve been arrested, you will be assigned a bail amount. The amount will depend on the severity of the crime and the risk of you not appearing in court. Find out what the bail amount is and if there are any bail bonds Scranton PA available to you. The more time you spend out of jail, the more time you’ll have to prepare a legal strategy with your lawyer.

Keep in mind that being arrested is not the end of the world. If you handle yourself well, you may be able to put the situation behind you.