If you’re not a criminal, then the law is your best friend. It protects you from being taken advantage of or hurt by others. But if someone accuses you of a crime and gets a warrant for your arrest, it can be terrifying to think about what might happen next. Here, we will discuss what to do when you are arrested or taken into custody.
What to do if you are arrested or taken into custody:
If you are placed under arrest or taken into custody, do not resist. The police are allowed to use some amount of force when effecting an arrest. Cooperate with the officers at all times and keep hands visible at all times. If you have a bag, backpack, or purse on your shoulder, remove it with both hands and set it to the side so that you can be searched and handcuffed without it blocking your hands.
If police officers are searching you or patting you down, do not resist them in any way when removing objects from your pockets or taking off a backpack. The officer will usually tell you when to take out items from your pockets, how to turn out your pockets, and what to do with your backpack. Be polite and listen to the officers’ instructions at all times.
Do not interfere with the search or seizure of evidence that is happening around you. If an officer is searching a bag directly in front of you, you should avoid looking inside the bag and inform the officer if they happen to look in your direction.
There may be times when police officers need to search everyone at a crime scene or detain everyone before they have time to figure out who is guilty and who is innocent. If this happens, you should limit your conversation with the police and try to find an attorney as soon as possible.
You also must never lie to the police and you must always be honest. This may seem obvious, but lying to the police can get you arrested and convicted of a crime even if you did not commit it.
How the court system works concerning bail hearings:
The court will set a bail hearing for your arrest that will be attended by your lawyer. During this time, the court will determine the amount of money you are required to post bail during your case. Your attorney can help you try to reduce or waive this requirement, depending on their experience and level of involvement in your case.
At the bail hearing, the prosecutor will present evidence to the court that proves why you should not be released on bail. Your lawyer can then argue on your behalf as to why you should be released and what conditions should be placed on your bail. The court will usually grant bail if the prosecutor cannot provide enough evidence to convince the judge that you are a flight risk or a danger to the community.
The amount of money to post bail will depend on several factors, such as your criminal history, the severity of the charge against you, and whether you are considered a flight risk. You may be able to have a friend or family member post bail for you, or you may need to use a bail bondsman.
How to discuss the charges against you with your lawyer:
You should never discuss the charges against you with anyone but your attorney. If a police officer permits you to make a phone call, do not attempt to contact anyone other than your lawyer. This includes family members and friends, as they might unintentionally provide information that is not helpful for your case. It is best to speak directly with a lawyer who can provide the best advice for your case during this difficult time.
Long story short, you should cooperate with the officers if you are arrested or taken into custody. The main reason is that you do not want to get yourself beaten up by resisting arrest. Your cooperation will show them that you are not violent and more likely to get out of jail on a lesser charge.
Getting arrested can be a very stressful and trying experience. You will have a lot of questions on your mind, but you should avoid discussing the charges against you with anyone except your lawyer. Your lawyer cannot talk about your case to anyone else without violating ethical standards. Trust the due process and the system will work to give you the best outcome during this difficult time.
Meta title: Important Measures to Take When Arrested
meta desc: This article discusses what to do if you are arrested or taken into police custody for any reason. Read on to learn more.