Simple do’s and don’ts to protect your rights if you have been arrested.

When you have been arrested, there are things you should do and things that you shouldn’t. For example, you should keep quiet and hire an attorney who can advise you of your rights and help you navigate the criminal legal system. You should not talk to anyone about the incident except for your attorney. What you do or don't do when you have been arrested can have a substantial effect on the outcome of your case.

I've Been Arrested, What Should I Do?

There are several things you can do once you have been arrested that will ensure your rights are protected. Some of the things you should do include:

• Keep silent – don’t answer any questions as anything you say can be used against you in court
• Be respectful and polite towards the police officers
• Stay calm
• Ask for an attorney and don’t speak unless they are present
• Try to remember the names or badge numbers of any police officers you are involved with
• Be sure to have your attorney present for any questioning
• Be sure to have your attorney present for any testing (taking a blood sample) or lineups
• Let your attorney do their job and deal with the police and prosecutors
• If you are hurt, make sure you take photographs of your injuries as soon as possible and seek medical attention
• Attempt to locate any witnesses and make sure to get their contact information (name, address, telephone number)

I’ve Been Arrested, What Should I Not Do?

If you are arrested, there are things that you can do to negatively affect the outcome of your case. To make sure that your rights are protected:

• Don’t discuss anything about the incident with the police
• Don’t mouth off, be rude or antagonize the police
• Don’t run from the police
• Don’t discuss the incident with anyone other than your lawyer
• Don’t give the police permission to perform a search of anything
• Don’t resist arrest
• Don’t touch the officers in any way
• Don’t believe anything the police tell you in order to get you to answer questions
• Don’t let the police into your home unless they have a warrant and do not go outside
• If you are arrested outside your home, don’t allow any officer into your home for any reason as this gives them the right to search it without a warrant

I've Been Arrested, Should I Hire a Lawyer?

Absolutely! An experienced criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your defenses, your rights and represent you in court. The above points are recommendations of the things you should or should not do in order to make sure that your rights are protected. A qualified criminal lawyer can help protect your rights as well.

If You’ve Been Arrested in Seattle, Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers at Baker, Lewis, Schisow & Laws

The expert defense team at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC vigorously defend the rights of individuals facing a multitude of charges in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form to get more information or to get a free case review!