If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps

If you are arrested for a crime, it’s imperative that you act quickly. Everything you do from the minute the police approach you can have an impact on your case. Knowing what to do and when to do it can lead to lesser chargers and a better overall outcome — especially if you are innocent or falsely accused. Taking the right steps after being arrested for a crime is even more important if you are incorrectly charged.

Make sure you know how to protect yourself if you are faced with criminal charges.

Follow these steps immediately after being arrested for a crime.

#1) Don’t make any statements.

When police officers believe a crime has been committed, they begin to collect evidence right away. They ask questions and perform an initial investigation to decide if something illegal occurred. As you go through this process, keep your comments to a minimum.

Anything you say can be used as evidence. You don’t want to provide any information that can be used against you in the case. Don’t provide an opportunity for your comments or actions to be taken out of context. Stay as quiet as possible.

If the officer believes something illegal has occurred, they will conduct an official arrest. At that time, they will read your Miranda Rights. Once these rights are read, you don’t have to say anything else to the offices. Don’t say anything else until you speak to an attorney.

Related: Stopped and Arrested for a DUI in Florida? Here’s What to Do Next   

#2) Get ready for the arraignment hearing.

When you are arrested for a crime, you will be taken to the jail and “booked.” During the booking processes, you will be assigned an arraignment hearing. Arraignment hearings are usually scheduled within the next 48-72 hours. You may wait in jail until the hearing or pay bail to be released before the hearing.

During the hearing, you will stand in front of a judge as the charges against you are read. At that time, you will enter a plea of not guilty, no contest, or guilty. You will need to have a plan for what to do during the hearing.

That is why step three is so important.

#3) Get an attorney involved right away.

While you are awaiting your hearing, it’s imperative that you talk to a criminal defense attorney right away. You are permitted to make a phone call. Use it to contact an attorney who can advise you on what to say during the hearing or be by your side for the event.

The state begins working on your conviction right away, so you need to start working on your defense immediately. Whether you are facing a felony or misdemeanor, getting an attorney involved from the start can help you set up a plan for defending your cases at the highest level.

#4) Write down everything that happened and collect evidence.

While your memory is fresh, write down everything that happened when you were arrested for the crime. List details that happened leading up to the arrest and during the arrest. Include any relevant information that might add context to the event or situation.

Also, collect any evidence that helps your side of the case. The police may have collected evidence during the arrest, but you can collect your own. Think about any other facts or information that can support your side of the case.

You will need this information when you meet with your attorney to develop a defense strategy for your case.

#5) Give your attorney as much information as you can.

When you meet with your attorney for the first time, be prepared to give them as much information as possible. Share all of the details you wrote down and all of the evidence you collected.

Each detail can potentially be used in your defense so don’t be afraid to overshare. Your attorney will use the information you provide to create arguments against your chargers and develop a defense for your case.

The more information you share, the better your chances of finding details that will help your case.

#6) Be patient.

Everyone wants their criminal case to be over as fast as possible, but that does not always lead to the best outcome. Rushing through the process can result in missing opportunities to make pleas, lessen your charges, or even get your case dismissed.

Understand that there is a process and if you have a qualified defense attorney by your side, you will be most likely to end with the best possible result.

If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Act Fast

If you’re arrested for a crime, time is of the essence. The state will immediately start building their case against you. You need to start immediately building your case to defend yourself.

Don’t waste time. Talk to an experienced criminal attorney who knows what you need to do to build a case that will lead to the best possible outcome. Get help today. Call TJ Grimaldi to discuss your case. All consultations are 100% free, so don’t delay. Start making your defense plan today. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023.