Ten Things You Need to Know Following an Arrest

After being arrested for a crime, it is vitally important that you know what to do and how to act. Otherwise, you could damage your chances later in court. At the Martin Law Group, LLC we want nothing more than to help you present a strong defense that protects you from wrongful punishment. To get you started, we have compiled a list of 10 things that you should know about the arrest process from start to finish.

1. Remain silent: Anything you say after an arrest could be used to your disadvantage in court. If you are arrested, ask to speak with an attorney and hold to your right to remain silent, even if you have much on your mind.
2. Be polite: The moment you become disrespectful or rude to an officer, you are on their bad side. Remain calm and polite but firmly maintain your rights to remain silent and refuse a search.
3. Do not argue your innocence with the officer: Trying to defend yourself in front of a police officer will get you nowhere. Keep quiet and ask to speak with an attorney. They will know how to properly defend you in the courtroom.
4. Do not give a statement: Officers may attempt to trick or force you into speaking by telling you that you must give a statement. This is simply not true. Wait until you have hired an Johnson County criminal defense lawyer before you say a word about your case.
5. Do not be intimidated into talking: No matter how intimidating an officer may become, you have the right to remain silent and they know it. No amount of subtle coercion or aggressive threats can change this truth.
6. Do not agree to a search: Officers must have a warrant to conduct a search – unless you give them permission. Never allow an officer to conduct a search of your property. Politely decline their request. You have every right to do so.
7. Do not resist arrest: Should you be arrested, never fight back. If you happen to injure the officer in any way, you could be charged with assaulting a peace officer, which is a grave offense under Kansas state law.
8. Do not "step outside": Along with searches, an officer must have a warrant to enter your home and make an arrest. They may ask you to step outside but it is in your best interest not to do so. Politely tell them that you are comfortable speaking with them from inside your home. Once you step outside, they can make a legal arrest.
9. Do not lie: No matter how strongly you believe that you can get away with it, do not lie about anything. If it's discovered that you lied to an officer, your chances of having your charged reduced or dropped will be next to nothing. It is better just to say nothing for now.
10. Hire an attorney: The most important thing you can do after an arrest is to hire a Johnson County criminal defense attorney from our firm. They will have the training, experience and skill to counsel you and fight your charges in court.

the Martin Law Group, LLC - Defending Your Rights

We are an experienced criminal defense law firm in Johnson County that has successfully tried dozens of cases. By hiring a criminal defense lawyer on our team, you can rest assured that you are receiving the compassionate and comprehensive defense for your charges.