Being arrested is something that most people dread, especially when you know you are innocent. Due to a lack of legal knowledge, many innocent people do not know what to do following an arrest. Moreover, they are often coerced into doing or saying something that can be harmful to them later.
This is why retaining a criminal defense lawyer Knoxville, TN, is essential. Whether you have committed a crime or not, having an attorney to guide you and protect you from making mistakes is vital for your case. Meanwhile, there are a few DO’s and DONT’s that may be helpful.
DO’s
- Do ask for a lawyer.
The Fifth Amendment gives all the citizens of the USA the right to retain and speak to a lawyer following an arrest. You should inform your lawyer about the arrest as soon as possible. Many people are afraid that seeking help from a legal executive can make them seem guilty, but it is against the law to determine fault based on that fact only. Speaking with law enforcement without the assistance of an attorney can produce disastrous results.
- Do understand your rights.
Just because the police have arrested you does not mean you have lost all your rights as a citizen. Even when you are arrested, you can exercise certain rights. One of your rights that can be helpful is remaining silent. You may want to defend yourself, but it is in your best interests to stay quiet until you speak with an attorney.
DONT’s
- Don’t speak too much.
Once police officers have put handcuffs on you and arrested you, it is very unlikely that they will let you go because of what you say. Moreover, when you explain yourself too much to the police, you might say something wrong, or the police might misinterpret your words.
- Don’t resist your arrest.
No matter how good of a justification you may have, a police officer who suspects you of a crime would not let you go. Even if you believe the police have no real reason to arrest you, you still should not resist arrest or run away. Doing so can cause the police to use additional force to capture you and result in more criminal charges.
These are only a few DOs and DONTs of getting arrested. Arrests are a stressful time, and knowing that you have access to a skilled and experienced attorney can provide a sense of relief. You can consult with a criminal defense attorney for more information regarding arrests and your rights.