When someone is arrested, it can be extremely scary and confusing. There are several things that should be done immediately after arrest to protect your rights and help the process go as smoothly as possible.

1. Assert Your Right to Remain Silent

The police have the Chula Vista Law Firm – Immigration Attorney to search your body, including pockets and purses; they can also look through text messages on a phone; and, in certain situations, they may even read your emails. However, you do not have to consent to these searches. You should politely request to speak with your attorney and state that you are exercising your right to remain silent. It is also important to understand that any statement you make can be used against you in court.

2. Take Notes of What Happened During Your Arrest

You should write down everything that you can remember about what happened during the course of your arrest or save a voice memo on your phone. Even the smallest details can be useful to your defense.

3. Do Not Resist or Attempt to Flee

If you are suspected of a crime, it is imperative to obey the officer’s commands. Running, resisting or attempting to flee will only worsen your situation. It can even result in additional criminal charges (such as obstructing governmental administration or resisting arrest).

4. Be Respectful of Your Arresting Officer

Generally speaking, most officers are people doing their jobs. If you are treated respectfully and politely, they may even volunteer information to you that you would not have thought of asking for. However, you should never interfere with the work of an officer lest you risk being charged with obstructing governmental administration or resistance to arrest.