By:  LINDSEY O’NEILL, ESQ.

If you’ve been arrested, you and your family are undoubtedly very concerned about what will happen to you.  Here are a few tips about what NOT to do, and what TO do if you’re been arrested.

WHAT TO DO: First and foremost – contact a criminal attorney in your area as soon as possible.  An attorney can help you get released, or can help you post bail, and will also explain your legal options.  Most importantly, an attorney will basically take over in terms of dealing with the police and with the prosecuting attorney. To find a criminal defense attorney in your area, click here: www.lawinfo.com.

You may be able to get out of jail either on your “own recognizance,” whereby you promise the court you’ll return at a later date and they believe you, or by posting bail.  Bail is basically money given to the court in exchange for your promise to return to court at a later date.  If you can’t post the entire bail amount, you may be able to get a bail bond by paying a bondsperson a bail premium.  If bail is set excessively high, your attorney may be able to negotiate it down with the court. 

WHAT NOT TO DO:  Remember – you have the right to remain silent and have an attorney present during police questioning. So, BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY!  Even if the police aren’t in immediate earshot… they might still be able to hear anything you say, including in the police car, in the prison yard, or elsewhere on the jail grounds. Also, don’t make any decisions about what to do in your case until you talk to your lawyer – this includes decisions about whether or not to take a plea bargain, comment on another case, provide information about other suspects or discuss any of the facts of your situation.   

Also, don’t get into more trouble by having a bad attitude, “mouthing off” or getting into fights. Altercations with the police, prison guards or others in jail is only likely to make your situation worse, not better.