Arrest can be an overwhelming experience. It can involve dealing with police, lawyers, judges and staff at a jail or precinct. It is important to understand the process and what happens next to avoid making damaging mistakes.
The most important thing to remember if you are arrested is that you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Regardless of your innocence or guilt, you should assert these rights immediately. The police can use anything you say against you, and trying to explain yourself or make excuses can only hurt your case. You also have the right to free legal representation, so ask for a lawyer immediately.
You should never resist an arrest or fight the officer, even if you believe they are wrong or being rude. Make no sudden movements and keep your hands where the officer can see them. If you are a witness in the case and are at the scene of an arrest, try to write down everything as soon as possible, including the name and badge numbers of officers involved, as well as names, addresses and phone numbers of any wit-nesses.
Once you are arrested, the police will search you and confiscate any personal property that may be evidence, such as house keys, purses, medication, large amounts of money or valuable jewelry. The items that are not contraband will be held for safekeeping and inventoried on a form called a Voucher.
About the Author
