For many people, dealing with law enforcement is not something they have experience facing. Whether it is for a traffic stop, or an arrest, some people have never encountered the police at all, so it is not always expected that an individual know what they should or should not do if they encounter law enforcement and happen to be arrested. For many reasons, other than guilt, an individual can potentially make their case worse than it has to be simply due to their ignorance and inexperience. Naturally, you think that all you would have to do is what you are told, but this is not true. There are things you should be aware not to do as well.
“You have the right to remain silent” is a very important right to note in the event that you are arrested. You are not your attorney, unless you are your attorney. You are in no position to prove your innocence, keep in mind that law enforcement makes arrest they believe can be connected to some sort of criminal offense. This means, they may already have enough to arrest you in their professional opinion and your attempts to prove otherwise may not work in your favor. As difficult as this may seem, choose silence until you have a criminal defense attorney present to represent and prove your innocence.
Although you may be innocent, or afraid, do not run away or resist arrest. These are criminal offenses that can make your case more intense, not to mention running also makes you seem more guilty than not. Fleeing from law enforcement, whether on foot or in a vehicle can put other people in danger and you can hurt or, even worse, get yourself or others killed. These are not matters that make your case stronger at all.
With all of your adrenaline and nerves, sometimes it is hard to think fast. However, whether you are guilty or innocent of the offense you are being accused of, cooperating with law enforcement while you wait for your criminal defense attorney to appear is the best thing you can do. This saves you any added trouble, as well as injury. If you or someone you know has been charged with a criminal offense, contact your attorney. In the event that you do not have an attorney, speak with a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, GA to see what options you have.
Thanks to Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into criminal law and what not to do.