We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Law

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Do I Do If I'm Arrested?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,294
Share

The first thing you should do if you are arrested is to remain calm and avoid resisting arrest. This means you should not fight or argue with the police officer, and you should not say or do anything that can be used against you later. There will be time later on to sort out what is going on if you are innocent, but the time of arrest is usually not the best time to do that. If a police officer asks you questions before or after you are arrested, you are not obligated to answer those questions. It may be wise to request a lawyer first.

Anything you say or do during an arrest will be recorded in a police report, so if you feel inclined to answer any of the questions asked of you when you are arrested, always tell the truth. A lie will only come back to bite you later on if you are charged with a crime. If you are not comfortable answering the questions when you are arrested, don't answer them. Tell the officer you would like a lawyer to be present during any questioning, but keep in mind that if you are arrested at night or on a weekend, lawyers may not be available to represent you until normal business hours. This can extend your stay in jail.

If you can't afford a lawyer, you can have one appointed for you. You can still tell the arresting officer that you would like to be represented by a lawyer before answering questions, even if you cannot afford one. It may be necessary to post a bail to get out of jail in the meantime. Posting bail after you are arrested can be done in several ways; if you own property, you can post a property bond if your property is worth two or three times the bond amount. Otherwise, you may need to contact a bail bondsman, who will often require 10 percent of the bond amount paid up front.

Remember that arresting officers often do not have the authority to bargain with you or strike deals. This is usually the responsibility of the district attorney, so if any deals are struck, be sure to get everything in writing. Otherwise, refuse the bargain or deal until a lawyer is present to walk you through the process. Stay calm and remember that you have rights; do not resist arrest, and do not say anything if it will implicate you in a crime.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-do-i-do-if-im-arrested.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.