Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer: 6 Things to Never Do After Getting Arrested
Getting arrested can leave you feeling scared, overwhelmed, and eager to cooperate with authorities and get things sorted out quickly; but certain actions taken during and after an arrest can seriously jeopardize your freedom or even lead to additional charges. Check out these tips from a criminal defense lawyer in Oklahoma City on how to protect yourself after an arrest.
Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Oklahoma City: 6 Things to Never Do After Getting Arrested
1. Attempt to Flee or Resist Arrest
Resisting arrest in any way, even through verbal hostility, aggressive gestures, or attempting to run, will escalate the charges against you. It may even provoke the police to respond with force. Comply with all orders peacefully, even if you believe you are innocent or the arrest is unlawful.
2. Say Too Much to the Police
When questioned after an arrest, many suspects feel compelled to protest their innocence on the spot or downplay events by offering explanations. An officer will read your Miranda rights during the arrest, so adhere to them. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it’s best to stay quiet.
Once in custody, decline to answer any substantive questions and immediately request access to an attorney. Check out this site to find out how a criminal defense attorney can help with your case.
3. Agree to Go Home with the Police
If you get arrested away from home, officers may try coaxing you to return to your house or property. This invitation allows police to conduct warrantless searches and secure potential evidence against you once inside your home. So, should they make the offer, refuse to invite them into your home without a valid search warrant.
4. Consent to Searches
Oklahoma allows officers to legally search your home without a warranty if you approve. But never consent to such searches without consulting your criminal lawyer. Ask the officer to return with a signed warrant instead. If they proceed to search, remain cooperative but clearly vocalize your lack of consent.
If an officer stops your car and asks to search it, you shouldn’t consent. However, the officer may search your car without a warrant if they have probable cause. You can make a complaint later to their supervisor or dispute the search, but don’t confront the officer.
5. Unknowingly Tip Off Police During Searches
If police appear with a legal warrant authorizing a premises search, they will likely watch for revealing reactions as they investigate. You can accidentally tip them off by looking at areas where there is potential evidence against you. To avoid self-incrimination, stand back calmly and keep your gaze down rather than tracking their activity.
6. Believe Everything Police Say
During arrests and interrogations, officers use psychological tactics to earn a suspect’s trust and prompt admissions. Once you are arrested, you should view the officer’s sincerity as geared purely toward self-incriminating evidence. For the sake of your defense, don’t believe everything the officers tell you. If your lawyer isn’t present to identify manipulation attempts, take advantage of your Miranda rights and say nothing at all.
Arrests put individuals at their most vulnerable, which can hurt their defense case. Master these no-nos and contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately after getting arrested. Remember to stay calm and vigilant against self-incrimination.