Getting arrested is scary. No matter the circumstances, having your hands cuffed behind your back and being taken to the station can leave you feeling unsure of where to turn or what to do.
If you have been arrested in New York, then keep the following steps in mind. However, the information below is not one-size-fits-all, so you should always consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to learn more about your options.
Lisa Pelosi has more than 30 years of criminal law experience. As a former prosecutor, she knows the ins and outs of the law and will provide you with the aggressive representation you deserve. Contact our office to schedule a free, no-risk consultation for your case.
5 Things to Do If You’ve Been Arrested
Ask for Your Attorney
First and foremost, do not say anything to the police. In many cases, the police will tell you that you have the opportunity to tell your side of the story or explain what you were doing. Do not say anything.
You have the right to remain silent, and doing so prevents you from saying anything that could harm your case. The only information you should give to the police and prosecutor is your name and that you want to speak to your attorney.
Additionally, do not talk to friends, family members, or other inmates about your case until you have spoken with your attorney.
Don’t Speak to Detectives
Do not give detectives any statements or information that could be used against you — exercise your right to remain silent and tell them that you would like to speak to your attorney.
Never Sign a Miranda Card
Your Miranda Rights secure your right to an attorney and to remain silent. Some police officers will ask you to sign a card that waives your rights — do not do it. Anything you say could be used as evidence against you in court.
Never Agree to Make a Video
Video evidence can be used against you by the prosecution in the same way that verbal statements can. However, video evidence is often much more powerful and can make a significant difference to a jury. Just as we’ve said before, do not say anything to the police or prosecutor and wait until you can speak to your attorney.
Contact a New York Criminal Defense Attorney
As you can see from this post, remaining silent after you have been arrested is by far the best way to protect your interests.
Once you have been released, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney like Lisa Pelosi to discuss your defense strategy. As a former New York prosecutor with more than three decades of criminal defense experience, you can count on Lisa to be there for you every step of the way. She handles both state and federal cases and provides 24/7 support.
If you need a criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights in court, then contact our office and schedule a free consultation today. Don’t take our word for it, though — see what previous clients have to say about how their cases were handled.
