6 Mistakes to Avoid When You Are Arrested
Whether it's for something serious like armed robbery or something more minor like public intoxication, getting arrested can be a scary experience. Once you are handcuffed by a police officer and wondering if you will spend time in jail or not, you might start to panic. However, you have to try your best to stay calm. If you panic, you may make mistakes that could hinder your case. Here are six mistakes to avoid when arrested.
Resisting Arrest
Under no circumstances should you resist arrest, even if you believe you were wrongly accused. If you talk back to the police or attempt to run away, you could face more charges. It is just best to listen to everything the police say and go quietly.
Talking to the Police
After you have been detained, the police will likely want to ask you some questions. However, no matter how nice and sincere they seem, you should keep your mouth shut. They will use certain tactics to get you to admit to the crime. For example, the police may tell you that they will go easy on you if you confess.
Even if you are completely innocent, you could still give the police information that they could use against you later. For instance, let's say you are being questioned about a homicide. You know you didn't do it, but you accidentally told the police that you were in the area when the crime was committed. This information can be used to convince the jury that you did commit the homicide.
To avoid incriminating yourself any further, tell the police you won't speak to them without a lawyer present.
Not Hiring the Right Lawyer
When you are charged with a crime, it is important to choose your lawyer carefully. The attorney you hire should specialize in criminal law and have experience dealing with cases similar to yours. If you hire an experienced and skilled criminal-defense lawyer, he or she will thoroughly dissect your case and find the best possible solution. For example, if they find holes in your case, they might be able to get your charges reduced or dropped. It's a good idea to speak with a few lawyers before hiring one. During your initial consultation with each lawyer, make sure to ask him about his educational background and experience and how he plans to tackle your case.
Accepting the Prosecutor's First Deal
Dealing with a criminal charge can be mentally exhausting, so you naturally want to get it over as fast as possible. However, you should resist the urge to accept the prosecutor's first deal just to get everything over with. The prosecutor's first deal is not likely to be a favorable one. Be patient and let your lawyer talk to the prosecutor and negotiate a better deal.
Talking to Family and Friends
It isn't a good idea to discuss your case with your family and friends, especially through phones at a jail. Some phone calls at jails are recorded, so the information you tell your family and friends may be used against you later.
Not Telling Your Lawyer the Truth
If you do not tell your lawyer the complete truth, they won't be able to help you to the best of their ability. Everything you tell your lawyer will remain confidential, so you should have your full trust in him.
Getting arrested is one the most nerve-wracking experiences you can have, but it doesn't have to end badly. If you avoid making these mistakes and do what your lawyer tells you, you will be more likely to have a favorable outcome. Contact a law office like Begley Carlin & Mandio LLP for help with your case.
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