What happens when I get arrested and what should I do?
We pride ourselves with educating and counseling our clients in their time of need. There are a few important things you need to know:
1. Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your criminal defense lawyer. Not even your friends, family, members, or cellmates. What you say can be used against you.
2. Do not call or make any contact with any law enforcement agency, District Attorney, or City Attorney without first consulting with your Criminal Defense Attorney.
3. Immediately identify and locate any potential witnesses that may have any information that will help your criminal defense lawyer.
4. If contacted by any law enforcement investigation, immediately and politely refuse to answer any questions without your criminal defense lawyer present.
5. Never consent to any search or turn over anything to law enforcement without consulting with your criminal defense lawyer first.
6. Everything you tell your criminal defense lawyer is confidential and will not be used against you. Be truthful and communicate thoroughly with your criminal defense lawyer. When you are arrested, you are taken into custody. This means that you are not free to leave the scene. Even without being arrested, you can be detained or held for questioning for a short time if a police officer or other person believes you may be involved in a crime. For example, an officer may detain you if you are carrying a large box near a burglary site. You can also be detained by storekeepers if they suspect you have stolen something. Whether you are arrested or detained, you do not have to answer any questions except to give your name and address and show some identification if requested.
WHAT RIGHTS DO I HAVE?
Whether you are an adult citizen or non-citizen, you have certain rights if you are arrested.
Before the law enforcement officer questions you, he or she should tell you that:
You have the right...
