The steps you take immediately after you are arrested and charged with a crime can have a significant impact on your ability to fight these serious charges and win. Mistakes can happen during the arrest process and these mistakes could cost you your freedom. As such, it is important to know what to do if you are arrested in Georgia for any crime. No matter how severe the charges are against you, it is important to follow these steps.
- Do not resist arrest. Even if you believe you are innocent or that the arrest is unfair, do not resist. Remain calm and silent throughout the process but cooperate with the arresting officers.
- Remain silent. Anything you say can – and will – be used against you in a court of law. As such, remain silent until you are able to contact your Georgia criminal defense attorney. Resist the temptation to give “your side of the story.”
- Make your phone call. You have a right to make a phone call. In many cases, this may be to a family member who can bail you out of jail. Remember that arresting officers will be listening to your phone call, so be careful what you say to friends or family members.
- Call an attorney. If you are able or if the charges are severe, your first call should be to an attorney. If they’re not releasing you on bail, your attorney will need to come in and speak on your behalf and represent you. Do not say anything, sign anything or make any decisions without consulting a Georgia criminal defense lawyer.
- Don’t speak to inmates. If you are in jail, you may be tempted to discuss your arrest with other inmates. They may ask you questions about your arrest or what crime you’re being charged with. Be careful and do not speak to them about your arrest or the crime you’re charged with. Officers may be listening or inmates may be hoping to gain information on you that they can then turn over to the police in order to secure a better deal for themselves. Always assume you’re being recorded or monitored – because you are.
The most important call you can make after an arrest is to an experienced and skilled Georgia criminal defense attorney. Your attorney can protect your rights throughout your arrest process and ensure that you are treated fairly every step of the way. Without a lawyer on your side, however, you may make costly mistakes that could result in a criminal conviction and being forced to spend considerable time behind bars.
Have You Been Arrested and Charged with a crime in Atlanta?
Have you been arrested and charged with a crime in Atlanta or anywhere in the state of Georgia? At Schnipper Law, P.C., our Atlanta criminal defense attorneys can help you immediately after you are arrested. We can prevent you from serving unnecessary time behind bars and may be able to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed altogether. We can’t help you though unless you call us immediately. Call Schnipper Law P.C., at (404) 545-5845 for a free initial consultation and review of your case. Let us get to work protecting your future.
Additional Reading