With more than 10.08 million annual arrests in the United States, anyone could find themselves face-to-face with the law facing time behind bars for a suspected crime. Preparing yourself for the what-ifs in life minimizes hassles in the event the unexpected becomes a reality. How can you maintain your rights during this stressful time in life?
Remain Silent
First, invoke your right to remain silent during and after the arrest. Police can and will use anything you say against you in a court of law, which could very well cause your demise in court. Once you arrive at the police station, ask for an attorney, and do not answer questions without one present. While police sometimes attempt to coax you into talking, remain silent at all times.
Never Resist Arrest
Be sure that you do not resist arrest, even in situations, you feel the arrest is unlawful. Unfortunately, a person does not have a legal right to resist arrest in any situation, not to mention upset a lot of law enforcement officers in the process. Resisting arrest is a crime that adds more charges to the list. If you feel that you are wrongly arrested, you must prove your innocence in a court of law.
Post Bail Bond
With the above information in mind, make sure you have the name and telephone number of a good bondsman on hand who can come to the rescue if you’re arrested. A bonding agent posts bail for 10% of the original court-ordered amount so you are free from the confinement of jail where you can begin preparing for the upcoming case.
Talk to an Attorney
Once you’re out of jail, speak to an attorney who specializes in the type of crime you are accused of committing. For example, if you are charged with DWI, a DWI attorney has the expertise to defend your case properly and help you out of a difficult situation. Attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case and help you learn more about what you can expect in court.
If ever you find yourself in a situation where you are arrested, remain cool, calm, and collected, keeping in mind the above information. With this advice in mind, you protect your rights and get a fair shot when your day in court arrives.
Author Bio: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2.
