The First 24 - How Soon Should You Contact An Attorney After An Arrest?

Ideally you'll never face the prospect of being arrested, but it's rarely something we plan for, and so being prepared for anything is better than burying your head in the sand.

To that end, here's a look at what steps you need to take if you're arrested, and what else you need to know about everything from contacting a legal representative to making use of your constitutional rights.

Don't Wait Too Long - Take Action Now!

When you are arrested, your rights and freedoms are at stake. It is important that you do not wait to contact an attorney after being arrested; the sooner, the better.

Every situation is unique, but contacting a lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your legal rights and provide guidance on how best to proceed in such a critical time. Experienced defense lawyers for criminal charges will be able to explain what steps need to be taken immediately after arrest, and guide you through the entire process with confidence, so that there are no surprises along the way.

Knowing Your Rights After An Arrest

It is important to know your rights when you are arrested. These rights vary from state-to-state, but generally speaking, everyone has the right to remain silent and refuse to answer any questions about their alleged crimes.

Additionally, people also have the right to an attorney present during questioning by police or other authorities. If you cannot afford a lawyer or you want to protect your savings, then one will be appointed for you free of charge. This applies in most states in the US, as well as in many other countries worldwide.

Knowing these basic legal rights can help protect yourself if ever faced with arrest and detention, so it pays off greatly knowing them before anything happens. Speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney before giving an interview to the police will provide more insight into your options.

What To Expect When You Contact An Attorney

Your lawyer will need all the information that you have about your case in order to build your defense strategy. The lawyer may advise on how best to handle bail and other court proceedings related to the charges against you, or any potential plea deals that could be offered by prosecutors.

Experienced lawyers are also able to explain legal terminology so everyone involved understands what is happening throughout the entire process. This allows for more effective communication between attorney and client, which is of course crucial in this context.

Why Waiting is a Bad Idea

When you're arrested, the police will likely ask to speak with you in an interview room at the station, and will advise you of your rights. However, their preference will be for you to not have a lawyer present for this initial conversation, because this gives them the opportunity to bamboozle you with interrogation tactics that are taught during training and learned over years of service.

Because of this, you cannot afford to wait to bring a lawyer onboard, because the first 24 hours following an arrest are vital in determining the eventual outcome of the case. Exercise your right to remain silent, and your right to legal representation, so that you don't tumble into any of the traps which lay ahead.

The Bottom Line

The long and the short of it is that your priority after being arrested must be contacting an experienced criminal attorney. Do not speak with anyone else until they have had a chance to meet with you, and you will be in a safe pair of hands.