Image Source – Flickr.com
Let’s be honest, everyone does stupid things in their lives. But, sometimes we go a bit too far and wind up breaking the law. It might be an accident, or it could be deliberate, either way, you should expect to be arrested. When this happens, you have to make sure you don’t panic. Instead, here is a list of the things you can expect to happen following your arrest. Read and understand these and out will make the process less stressful for you.
You’ll be Taken to the Station
Once the police come to your home and arrest you, they will place you in the back of a car or van. Then you will be transported to the police station. Now, you may not necessarily be taken to the closest station to your home. Rather, you will probably be taken to the station in the area that your offense was committed. So you may well be in for a long drive. But, this is part of the process so you should get ready for that. You can use the journey to sleep if you need to.
Finger Prints
When you arrive at the station the police will set about the process of taking fingerprints and swabs from you. This is standard procedure so you should expect it to happen. There are a lot of things you need to expect following your arrest, and this is one of the earliest. If you have been in trouble with the law before you may well find that they have your details on the system already. This might make the process a little faster, but you certainly need to understand that this is pretty normal.
Image Source – YouTube
Bring in Your Lawyer
You need to make sure you get in contact with your lawyer once you’re arrested. It’s important to have somebody with legal gumption fighting your corner. If you don’t have an attorney, or you can’t afford one then the state will appoint you one. It’s imperative to ensure you have a lawyer from Rogers and Moss with you when you are questioned. You should refuse to talk to police until your lawyer arrives. They will make you feel much more comfortable and at ease. You know that your legal rights are being protected by having a lawyer present.
Come up With a Game Plan
You need to speak with your lawyer about what has happened and why you’ve been arrested. Make sure you tell your lawyer everything or they can’t do what you expect them to do. The two of you need to come up with a game plan for how to approach the questioning you’re going to receive. And that’s why you should be open and honest and discuss everything you can. Come up with a plan of action for what you need to tell the cops and what you might decide to omit. Follow the advice your lawyer gives you, and use it to your advantage.
Image Source – Wikimedia
Spend Time in the Cells
When you are taken to the police station you can expect to spend time in the cells. This is a temporary measure until the police have fully questioned you. So don’t freak out, you aren’t being thrown in jail. The maximum the police can hold you without charge is twenty-four hours. So, you need to make sure you don’t panic about being put in a cell. This is standard procedure, and you could be in there a while. The best thing you can do is try to make sure you get some sleep. You need to be refreshed and have a clear head, and that can be difficult when you’re panicking. If possible, try to make sure you get some rest before you are called for questioning.
You’ll Get a Phone Call
Don’t forget that you get your phone call when you’ve been arrested. There is a common assumption that you only get one phone call, but this isn’t strictly true. The number of phone calls you get can vary depending on your situation and offense A lot of people use their phone call to get in touch with their attorney. But, you will likely be afforded a second call to do this. And you might be appointed an attorney anyway. So, the best thing to do would be to use your phone call to get in touch with family or friends. Someone needs to know what’s going on, and you need to make sure you talk to them. Your family are likely to be worried sick about you, and they need to hear from you to know that everything’s okay. So, you need to speak to them on the phone and let them know you’re alright and that you will see them soon.
If You Behave You’ll Be Treated Well
The rule of thumb with these sorts of things is that if you behave well, you will be treated well. The police want an easy time of things as well, so they are looking to wrap cases up as soon as possible. That means they will be looking for the simplest resolution. If you’re difficult and disruptive, this is not going to bode well for you with them. You need to be on your best behavior and show that you are a reputable person. It might surprise you how much more favorably you’re looked upon if you behave yourself and cooperate.
Image Source – Flickr
Always Be Honest
The worst thing you can do when you’ve been arrested is start lying to the police. You’d be surprised by how many people actually do this. And it’s only going to come back to haunt you at a latter point. If you have genuinely done nothing, then say that, and you have nothing to worry about. However, if you have committed an offense, it’s best to be straightforward. You don’t know what evidence or information the police have gathered before arresting you. It’s likely that they will have at least some degree of evidence before questioning you. If you start lying, you’re quickly going to be found out, and it will come back to haunt you. So, honesty is always going to be the best policy upfront, and your lawyer will tell you the same.
The Quicker You Cooperate the Quicker You’ll be Out of There
It’s in your best interests to cooperate as much as you can when you are arrested. You just want the whole thing to be over and done with as quickly as possible. And the best way to achieve that is to make sure you cooperate and do as you’re asked. The more you dig your heels in, the longer you’re going to drag things out. And this is not going to be good for anyone. You just want to get the whole thing over and done with as quickly as you can. So, be cooperative, behave yourself, and do everything that’s asked of you. If you can get all of this right, you’re going to find that you will be out of there in no time at all.
Image Source – YouTube
Wait for the Verdict
A lot of the time when you’re arrested you will know the verdict before being released. What will happen is you might be released and free to go, you may be released with a caution, or you might be charged. Now, obviously being allowed to go free is the best outcome you can get, and that’s the one you want. If the police decide they think you are guilty of a crime, they will charge you. And this will mean you need to go to court and receive a sentencing for whatever you’ve done. If you are charged, then the process is just beginning. If you’re not charged you’ve had a lucky escape, and you can get on with your life as normal, provided you behave.
Get Your Stuff Back
Once you are released from the cells, you will be able to get your stuff back. Remember that they will take your things off you when you get there. And thou will need to make sure you get it all back. Often they will only hold you for twenty-four hours, and then you’ll be released. So don’t forget to pick your stuff up on the way out. You’re going to need to sign for it to be sure that you have it all. This is something you don’t want to forget otherwise it’s going to be a pain to try to sort it out. You may be distressed and not really thinking very clearly. But, you need to make sure you stop to collect your things on the way out; you may well need some of them to get you home!
Image Source – YouTube
Being arrested can be an upsetting and trying time for you. And it’s important to try to make sure you do everything right. There are certain do’s and don’ts if you have been arrested, and you need to know what they are. Have an idea of what to expect because this will help you to make the process less stressful for you. Take a look at the points on here so you know what to expect and how to deal. This is not pleasant, so you need to try to make it as enjoyable as possible.
