Being arrested can be a traumatizing experience for the arrested and his/her loved ones. While the things you should do vary, depending on the crime and situation you are in, there are definitely several things I can tell you that you absolutely should NOT do. Whether or not the arrest is legitimate, these are the top 3 things you should NOT do to make the situation flow as smoothly as possible.
Most people are law-abiding citizens and have little or no experience with the police outside of what they see on television. Unfortunately, the unexpected can happen at any moment and you find yourself getting arrested. If this happens it’s better not to make a bad situation worse by making the wrong decisions.
Here are the top 3 things NOT to do…
1. Don’t say anything incriminating:
I cannot stress the importance of not saying anything! While you may think that you can say just a few words that speak to your innocence, the truth of the matter is that anything you say can be used against you at any point later in time. Your best bet if the police ask you a question is to say that you prefer not to answer until you consult with your lawyer.
2. Don’t consent to a search:
The fourth amendment protects you from unreasonable search and seizures. This means that the police cannot search your property without either your consent or a warrant. While the police may pat you down to make sure you don’t have a weapon, they may not search your person or property without your consent or a search warrant. If you consent to a search, anything found by the police can be used against you. Thus, when the police ask for your permission to search, exercise your fourth amendment and SAY NO.
3. Don’t resist arrest:
If the police have already decided to arrest you, there is nothing you can do to change that fact. When you are going to be handcuffed, do not do anything that could be construed as violent towards the officers or that could make the situation worse. If you do something violent towards an officer, additional charges of felony assault can be added to any existing charges. Moreover, the police will use physical force against you, and you may end up with some of your own injuries.
While not many of us think we need to worry about being arrested, the truth is that sometimes it happens. I hope you keep these tips in mind and above all, remember DO try and stay calm during an arrest.