There are certain situations in our lives when we may make wrong decisions or be in the wrong place at the wrong time. When this happens, we may find ourselves in the back of a police car heading to the station for processing. If you have never been arrested before, the idea of spending time in jail can be very frightening. Here are ten things you can do to prepare for a potential arrest:
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1. Learn your rights. It is important to know what you can and cannot do when you are interacting with the police. If you know your rights, you can avoid making any incriminating statements that could be used against you in court. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and ask to speak to a lawyer before saying anything to the police.
2. Have a plan. If you are arrested, you will need to have a plan in place for what will happen next. This includes having someone you trust who can bail you out of jail, as well as someone who can take care of your children or pets if you are unable to do so. You should also have a plan for how you will get to and from court appearances, as well as how you will pay for a lawyer if you cannot afford one.
3. Keep calm. It is important to remain calm if you are arrested. Getting angry or combative with the police will only make the situation worse. If you are calm and cooperative, you may be able to talk your way out of a potential arrest or at least make it easier on yourself if you are arrested.
4. Be respectful. Even if you are innocent, it is important to remember that the police are just doing their job. If you are disrespectful or uncooperative, you will only make the situation worse. So, be respectful and cooperative, even if you are angry or upset.
5. Do not resist arrest. If the police tell you that you are under arrest, it is important to go with them peacefully. Resisting arrest will only add more charges to your already existing ones and will make it more difficult for your lawyer to get you out of jail. You should only resist arrest if you are absolutely certain that you are being arrested for the wrong reason.
6. Do not say anything. Once they have read your Miranda rights, it is important to invoke them and remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. So, even if you are innocent, it is best to remain silent and let your lawyer do the talking for you. This includes refusing to take a breathalyzer test or take a field sobriety test, as these can be used against you in court.
7. Do not sign anything. If the police ask you to sign something, it is important to refuse. This includes any waiver of rights forms or Miranda rights forms. Once you have signed something, it may be difficult for your lawyer to get you out of it. So, refuse to sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first.
8. Do not consent to a search. If the police ask to search your home or car, it is important to refuse. Once you have consented to a search, anything they find can and will be used against you in court. So, even if you have nothing to hide, it is best to refuse a search and let your lawyer handle it.
9. Prepare for the worst. Even if you are innocent, it is important to prepare for the possibility of being found guilty. This means saving up money to pay for a lawyer and bail, as well as getting your affairs in order in case you are sentenced to jail time.
