Know Your Rights What To Do If You Are Arrested
- Take advantage of your right to remain silent. You will not convince the officer, the booking officer, or a detective of your innocence. YOUR CASE IS NOT DECIDED BY THESE PEOPLE. They do not affect guilty or not guilty verdicts. Wait to speak to your lawyer!
- Resisting arrest is an additional charge. Fight your case, not the officer. Hitting or bumping an officer may result in additional charges. If you are arrested and believe the officer lacks probable cause, fight your case in court. Do not engage in a fight at the time of your arrest. Also understand that certain circumstances may cause the police to resort to a more violent use of force, including pepper spray, tasers, and other weapons.
- Police can lie to get you to make an admission of guilt. The Reid technique is a method where police lie about having witnesses, video, or DNA. Police are trained to GET A CONFESSION. A federal, state, or municipal court may not throw out your statements because you were lied to by the police or tricked into talking to them.
- Searching anywhere requires a warrant. Be sure to tell to any witnesses that you do not give consent to search. An unlawful search is an issue that may be raised within your case.
- Insulting an officer only adds additional animosity. Police can add charges or make a special effort to speak with your prosecutor. It is not your goal to create an enemy.
- “You have the right to remain silent. What you say can and will be used against you.” If you have been arrested, it's important to remain calm and remember that getting arrested does not always mean that you are being charged with a crime. Working with a good attorney is the best way to protect your rights and obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Know Your Rights--What To Do When You Are Arrested
