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When you’re arrested, there’s a large amount of uncertainty. However, even if you’re innocent, it’s important to stay calm until you can consult a criminal law attorney. According to the legal team at Osborne, Tripp & Schmidt in Sparta, WI, your actions in the first few stages of the arrest process will follow you throughout your case, so it’s important to know exactly how to behave.

How to Act When You’re Being Arrested

1. Be Respectful

criminal lawNo matter how the officers are acting or how surprised you are at the accusation, it’s imperative to stay calm and be respectful. Raising your voice, cursing, or making threatening gestures can all be used against you in court. You may also say things you don’t mean or admit to things you didn’t do when you’re emotionally fired up. It’s best to say nothing, so stay calm, relax, and cooperate until you can speak with a criminal law attorney.

2. Don’t Consent to a Search

Police may ask to search your vehicle or property depending on where you’re arrested. Regardless of whether there is anything incriminating or not, don’t consent to a search. Anything they find can be used as evidence, and while it may feel like you’re just cooperating, you could be opening yourself up to trouble. If asked, politely decline. If they choose to search regardless or claim probable cause, this can be contested in court and, possibly, lead to all evidence being dismissed.

3. Hire a Criminal Law Attorney

When you arrive at the police station, you’ll be questioned by different officers and law personnel. During the interviews, they may try to get you to admit to things you didn’t do. Immediately ask for a criminal law attorney and reserve your right to remain silent until they arrive. This will ensure you don’t accidentally say anything you shouldn’t, and that officers can’t bend your statements or take them out of context. When they arrive, a criminal law attorney will protect your rights and advise you on what to do going forward.

Criminal law cases are extremely time-sensitive, so don’t wait to hire an attorney. The legal team at Osborne, Tripp & Schmidt has extensive experience with criminal defense cases and can help you achieve the best possible outcome in a criminal case. If you’ve been arrested, call (608) 269-2400 today to schedule a consultation and visit their website to learn more.

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