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How to behave if you are arrested

On Behalf of | Apr 5, 2023 | Criminal Defense |

Being placed under arrest can be a terrifying experience, especially if it is your first time. You may feel scared, confused, overwhelmed, angry or a combination of all these things.

The way you act during your arrest can have a bigger impact on your criminal case that you might think. In fact, some things you say could even be interpreted as signs of guilt, even if you are completely innocent.

Therefore, knowing the appropriate way to behave when you are arrested can make a huge difference in what happens next.

Stay quiet and follow directions

You should not behave the way you see people in movies or on television behaving when they are arrested. Characters are often making grand proclamations about how they are innocent or how the cops have the wrong person.

While this makes for good television, you should never act this way when you are arrested. It is likely going to be extremely difficult, but you must stay quiet. Do not say anything to the cops.

You have a right to remain silent for a reason. The reason is because anything you say can and will be used against you. Remember this.

Even an apology could be seen as a sign of guilt. Above all, you should not fight with the cops. Follow their directions and do exactly as you are told.

Recognize this is not the right time and place to fight

The biggest thing to remember is that the cops are not the ones who decide your case. If you are innocent, or if one of your constitutional rights were violated during the arrest, the proper place to fight that is in court.

For example, cops must have probable cause to arrest you. If you know there was no probable cause, you cannot just tell the cops and expect them to let you go.