What To Expect If You Are Arrested
by
Christopher Bokas on Jan. 23, 2014
Summary: In this article, you will understand what to expect when you are arrested by a police officer, and what you should immediately do.
One of the most common questions that lawyers get is what should you do if you are
arrested. My answer never varies: call an experienced and respected criminal lawyer right away.
My first piece of advice is to not make a statement, oral or written. Many defendants believe that
by making a statement, or by otherwise “cooperating,” they somehow improve their chances.
This is false reasoning. Most statements, whether oral or written, end up hurting the defendant
and damaging the case. And the police and prosecutors know this. They know that you have a
constitutional right to remain silent, and that it can’t be held against you. So, by all means, don’t
say anything.
Once I get involved I can manage the case through its early stages, including the
preliminary arraignment and preliminary hearing. These are crucial stages of any case, as a
skilled criminal lawyer can lay the foundation for a more favorable outcome. And the foundation
is laid, first, by diligent and thorough preparation, and second, by devotion to the client and
sensitivity for the client’s plight.
Remember, proper preparation begins in the earliest possible stages with representation
by a skilled and experienced criminal lawyer.
arrested. My answer never varies: call an experienced and respected criminal lawyer right away.
My first piece of advice is to not make a statement, oral or written. Many defendants believe that
by making a statement, or by otherwise “cooperating,” they somehow improve their chances.
This is false reasoning. Most statements, whether oral or written, end up hurting the defendant
and damaging the case. And the police and prosecutors know this. They know that you have a
constitutional right to remain silent, and that it can’t be held against you. So, by all means, don’t
say anything.
Once I get involved I can manage the case through its early stages, including the
preliminary arraignment and preliminary hearing. These are crucial stages of any case, as a
skilled criminal lawyer can lay the foundation for a more favorable outcome. And the foundation
is laid, first, by diligent and thorough preparation, and second, by devotion to the client and
sensitivity for the client’s plight.
Remember, proper preparation begins in the earliest possible stages with representation
by a skilled and experienced criminal lawyer.