Being arrested by the police can be a very stressful experience, however, there are certain things that you can do to help you both in the short-term and the long-term. When you are arrested, the most important item to remember is to not make an already bad situation worse. To that end, the following tips should be helpful.

The first and most important thing that you can do is to remain calm and be respectful towards the officer. You will not help the situation if you begin to scream, curse, or act belligerently. Allow the officer to arrest you and do not resist them in any manner. If you resist the officer, you may be charged with the additional crime of resisting arrest. Also, if you resist arrest and put your hands on the officer, you can be charged with assault and battery of a law enforcement officer.

The officer will ask you for your name and identifying information. You should answer these questions truthfully. If you lie about your identity, you may open yourself to more charges. Lies about your identity may also affect your bond, making it more difficult for you to be granted bond. However, you do not have to give more information than your name and address.

In a similar vein, the officer will advise you of your Miranda rights and you should remember that you have the right to remain silent. You do not need to answer any questions other than your name and address. If you volunteer any other information or confess to the crime, your statements will be used against you during your trial. However, you may tell the officer that you want to speak to an attorney. After you ask for an attorney, the officer cannot ask you any more questions.

When you are arrested, you will be searched. The officer will place your wrists in handcuffs and will search you for weapons, before you are placed in the police car. Again, do not resist this search. It is likely that this search will be repeated, when you are brought to the jail.

Once you have been processed through the jail, you will be allowed to make a phone call. Do not make any incriminating statements over the phone. Remember that this phone call will be recorded and can be used against you at a later date at trial. This means do not give too much information to the person that you have chosen to call.

You will want to get a criminal defense lawyer. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney for you. If you have the money, you should consider retaining your own attorney. A criminal defense lawyer will help you navigate the legalities of the criminal justice system. As such, the attorney will speak to the prosecutor, the officers, and any witnesses that you may be able to produce. Your lawyer’s loyalties are only to you and doing the best job possible for you.

Author Bio: Christine writes about a variety of legal topics. For more information visit the drug lawyer in Houston.

Category: Legal
Keywords: defense attorney, houston defense lawyer, criminal attorney, dwi lawyer, assault charges