Tips to Consider If You’re Arrested by a Police Officer
If you are ever stopped or detained by the police, that’s one of the wildest and most stressful moments that can ever happen to anyone. In most of the situations, the person arrested is charged and is found guilty of a crime they are accused of.
However, in certain circumstances, you might be arrested on grounds of suspicion over any random activity.
Do not expect that the officers will prioritize your rights after you’re arrested. In such tense situations, the only way to counter this is to remain silent and not show any signs of hostility toward the officers.
But there is more to it. Let us describe the legal rights and the tips you should consider if you ever fall into such a mishap.
The Legal Defense System at Boulder
The criminal justice system in Boulder can be very complex for the average person to understand. A qualified legal professional is essential in such situations.
A Boulder defense attorney will stand up for your constitutional rights. They will give you a full explanation of your rights and will work towards how a fair trial can be carried out in a hassle-free manner.
The defense lawyer will research your situation, review it, and explain the charges against you. They will put their best foot forward to gather evidence by
- Recording testimonials
- Interviewing witnesses
- Negotiating with prosecutors
- Reducing fines
- Dealing with bail procedures
- Building a strong defense for you
The lawyer will also work to get the case against you dropped entirely.
What to Do When Arrested?
Stay Calm
When you’re arrested, it is important to stay as calm as possible and avoid talking.
The Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution allows any individual to remain silent, which is the refusal to answer during a criminal procedure. They can’t be forced to give testimonies that would harm their self-interest.
For example, if you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, you do not have to answer any questions, whether asked about where you are going, where you are traveling from, what you are doing, or where you live, your school or college, your associates, etc.
Don’t utter a word or show signs of anything, or make any decisions without consulting a lawyer. When arrested by police, you must know that you have the legal right to make a local phone call to a person you trust.
Understand Your Rights
If you face serious injury, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs as proof. File a written complaint (you can file anonymously as well) with the agency’s internal affairs division or any other higher authority of the state.
If you feel that the police brutality has reached an extreme point and your legal rights are being violated, then write down everything you remember, including
- Officers’ badges
- Their names
- Patrol car numbers
- The agencies the officers were from
- Other intricate details you can remember
Avoid Making Rash Decisions
If the police ever stop your car and tell you to get down right away for arrest, park the car in a safe place, turn on the internal lights, open the windows, and if you’re in the passenger seat, put your hands on the dashboard of the car.
Show the police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Stay calm and don’t make sudden movements like running or attacking the officer. This only makes matters worse than they are.
You have the right to legal counsel, so get in touch with a defense attorney as soon as possible to understand your options.