What to do When You’re Arrested

Hopefully you will never face the day that you end up arrested by law enforcement.  However, the odds are more significant than you might think that you may someday end up arrested by a law enforcement officer.  For example, you could have a couple of drinks and end up behind the wheel of a car -- and end up getting charged with DUI.

With that said, there are certain things that you should do when you’re arrested.  In addition, there are certain things that you should not do when you’re arrested.  No matter how unlikely it may seem on the surface, it nonetheless is important for you to know what to do when you’re arrested.

Keep Your Mouth Shut

First of all, when it comes to what to do when you’re arrested, you need to keep your mouth shut.  No matter how much you would like to do so, you should not provide undue or unnecessary information to law enforcement.  Any statement you make very well may come back to haunt you in the end,

You do need to provide law enforcement officials with basic information -- your name, address and similar basic information.  But, you’re not obliged to provide any additional information.

If you are arrested, making it clear to the police officer that you have no intention of making a statement to the police without first talking to an attorney.  And, in most instances, your attorney is going to advise you not to talk … no matter what sort of case you are involved in or crime you have been charged with, you are very likely to be advised to keep quiet by your lawyer.

In addition to not talking to the police, do not under any circumstances talk to anyone with whom you might find yourself sharing a cell.  These people can testify about what you said to them in a cell and this could end up causing you serious legal problems down the road.

Find Out Why You Have Been Arrested

When you are arrested you need to ask the police to tell you exactly what you have been charged with by law enforcement.  You have an absolute right to know what you are being charged with when you are arrested.

Shortly after you arrest, the police personnel should provide you with a written statement or document detailing what you actually have been charged with or setting forth the reasons for your arrest in the first instance. 

Make a Phone Call

While it may seem like a trite deal, you really are entitled to a phone call -- a free phone call -- at some point within a reasonable time following your arrest.  Most law enforcement officials are good about providing people who have been arrested with a phone call.  But, again, there are some instances in which you may need to press for a phone call.

Remember that you really only may get one phone call.  So, make that phone call worthwhile.  Call someone who really can provide you with assistance in your time of need.  In the end, that may not be your best friend.  Rather, it may be a lawyer or a bondsman who can assist you in getting out of jail as soon as possible.