While many people tend to think that arrest and imprisonment is only reserved for violent criminals, the stark truth is that arrests of non-violent offenders are quite common. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you’ve been arrested, it is important that you know what your rights are and take the appropriate steps to resolve this situation.
Here’s what you should do if you’re arrested:
- “You have the right to remain silent”– you’ve heard this phrase uttered enough times in movies, and it is a phrase that should apply to your situation a swell. When you are arrested, it is advisable not to make any statements, as this may incriminate yourself
- You should rather wait for legal representation before offering any information, and your first call should be to your lawyer. If you’re part of Auto Club, you will benefit from immediate legal assistance
- Make sure that you are not confrontational towards the arresting officer, as this type of aggressive behaviour will not help your situation and can even count against you
- Apply for bail as soon as you can – the amount of time it takes for a bail hearing will depend on the type of offense you have committed and the efficiency of your local police station and/or court
While you may be scared after being arrested, you should always remember that you will have your day in court, and through proper legal representation, this incident need not be life-changing – the charges may be dropped and you may be exonerated.