Getting arrested for the first time is a very frightening experience. People tend to panic in these situations, which is why they might blurb out something outrageous that will be used against them later on. Some people even run from the police and are subsequently charged with resisting arrest.
While this might be very hard, you need to keep your composure throughout the entire process, even if taken to a police station. In this article, we’ll outline some of the best tips and practices that will help you if you ever get arrested.
Behave respectfully
You should always keep in mind that police officers are just doing their job. They’re looking to finish their shifts, return to their homes, and enjoy a relaxing time with their families. Given that this is a highly stressful job and the officers are always on their guard, you should always try to deescalate the situation:
Here are a few best practices you must follow during the first few minutes after being arrested:
- If you’re in a moving vehicle, you should stop when you see a safe area. Turn on the internal lights so that the officers can see better and feel more relaxed while approaching you. Lower down your window without getting out of the car, and place your hands on the wheel.
- It is vital that you stay calm and relax. Yelling at the officer will only escalate the situation, which might lead to physical confrontation and added charges.
- Always be polite. It doesn’t cost you anything, and you’ll get a much better treatment from the police officers and faster resolution of the issue.
- Some officers will get mad at you if you lie to them. This is especially true if you’re being cheeky while doing so. You also shouldn’t fake a panic or a heart attack or offer a bribe.
- Physical resistance is the last thing you want to do, as it will add to your charges and might get you seriously hurt. Follow officers’ directions to the T. If you’re in physical pain, you should tell that to the police, but don’t squirm around trying to break their hold.
- If you were a part of a group, you should minimize interaction with other arrestees. There’s a chance you’ll reveal vital information that will get you in jail later on. Plus, you should avoid physical confrontation with other people at the scene, as you might also get charged with an assault.
All in all, you should follow police officers’ instructions and remain calm at all times. There is no way to change your situation, and you can only worsen things by acting smart or running.
Protect your rights
Reading articles such as this is critical for your safety as you can learn more about your rights during and after getting arrested. You must never forget that you’re not helpless in these situations. The law ensures you won’t be harmed during regular interactions with the police. If your rights are violated in any way, you can sue the police and local government.
Here are a few things you need to bear in mind:
- Police officers need a “probable cause” to search you or your vehicle. In practice, they often don’t have the cause to do so and, instead, will ask you for permission. For example, they might ask, “Can I search your car?” If you allow them to perform a search, they won’t have to comply with the “probable cause” rule. So, we suggest you don’t permit them any type of search.
- Although you should show your ID and identify yourself, you’re not in any obligation to answer the police’s questions. In fact, not answering questions is the best way to protect yourself and prevent accidental incrimination.
- Always wait for a lawyer. Police use various techniques to squeeze answers from you. In fact, there are many cases where people were wrongfully convicted just because they misinterpreted a question or poorly phrased their sentences.
- Even if you want to make a bargain, don’t do so without your lawyer. If you’re going to court, it would be wise to learn more about the process from your attorney.
- Try to memorize every detail as soon as you’re apprehended. Remember if you told them something or, more importantly, if you didn’t give them consent. If the police violated your rights during a search or used excessive force, you can use this against them to file a complaint.
- As long as you’re in public or on your property, you have the full right to film the encounter. This video will serve as crucial evidence later on and might free you from all the charges. Most importantly, don’t allow police to take your phone or intimidate you so you don’t film the arrest.
You should be as reserved as possible during encounters and keep interaction to a minimum. Take a video of the encounter, as it will serve as crucial evidence in the court.
Make your calls
If and when you get arrested, you have an opportunity to call your family members and lawyer. Keep in mind that police can use everything you say over the phone against you, so be very careful.
It’s vital that you’re not aggressive when asking for a phone call. Wait for police officers to finish booking and then, in a polite manner, ask for your phone call. In some cases, the officers might forget about you, which is why you have to insist.
If you don’t know a lawyer, you can call your family and ask them to find you one. Alternatively, you can ask for a public defendant when you appear in front of a judge. You can also instruct your family member to contact a bail bondsman and get you out of jail.
Conclusion
Regardless of the situation you’re in, you must be coolheaded when getting arrested. Be polite toward the officers so you can finish the process as quickly as possible. Deescalating situations and not using physical force can also help you avoid additional charges.
Most importantly, don’t say anything and don’t give verbal permission to police officers to search you or your car. If the officers decide to detain you, follow their instructions while getting handcuffed and taken to the police vehicle.
