CRIMINAL DEFENSE
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER AN ARREST?
WHAT TO DO IN THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER AN ARREST?
An arrest is one of the most disorienting experiences a person can face. The decisions made in the first 24 hours can determine the entire direction of a case for better or worse. Here is exactly what to do, and what to avoid, from the moment the handcuffs go on.
An arrest is one of the most disorienting experiences a person can face. The decisions made in the first 24 hours can determine the entire direction of a case for better or worse. Here is exactly what to do, and what to avoid, from the moment the handcuffs go on.
Stay calm and do not resist
Resisting arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unlawful, gives prosecutors additional charges to work with and complicates your defense. Keep your hands visible, comply with physical instructions, and say nothing beyond your name. Your composure in these moments matters more than you know.
Exercise your right to silence immediately
You are not obligated to answer questions beyond basic identification. Politely but firmly state: "I am exercising my right to remain silent and I would like to speak with my attorney." Do not explain, justify, or volunteer any information. Anything you say even something that seems harmless can and will be used against you.
Request your attorney before any questioning
The moment you are in custody, your right to legal representation applies. Do not answer a single question, sign any document, or participate in any line-up or procedure without your attorney present. If you do not have one, make clear you are requesting representation before anything proceeds.
Use your permitted call wisely
You are typically entitled to at least one phone call. Use it to contact your attorney directly — not to discuss the details of your case with a family member. Calls from detention facilities are often recorded. Keep the call brief: your name, your location, and that you need representation.
Do not speak to other detainees about your case
Fellow detainees are not bound by any privilege. Conversations in a holding cell have been used as evidence in court more often than most people realize. Keep the details of your situation entirely to yourself until you are speaking privately with your lawyer.
Remember everything you can
As soon as you are able, mentally catalogue every detail: the names of officers, the time of arrest, what was said to you, whether a warrant was presented, and any witnesses present. This information can be critical to building your defense and your attorney will need it urgently.
"The first 24 hours are not just the beginning of a legal process — they are often where cases are won or lost. The right attorney, contacted at the right moment, changes everything."
Stay calm and do not resist
Resisting arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unlawful, gives prosecutors additional charges to work with and complicates your defense. Keep your hands visible, comply with physical instructions, and say nothing beyond your name. Your composure in these moments matters more than you know.
Exercise your right to silence immediately
You are not obligated to answer questions beyond basic identification. Politely but firmly state: "I am exercising my right to remain silent and I would like to speak with my attorney." Do not explain, justify, or volunteer any information. Anything you say even something that seems harmless can and will be used against you.
Request your attorney before any questioning
The moment you are in custody, your right to legal representation applies. Do not answer a single question, sign any document, or participate in any line-up or procedure without your attorney present. If you do not have one, make clear you are requesting representation before anything proceeds.
Use your permitted call wisely
You are typically entitled to at least one phone call. Use it to contact your attorney directly — not to discuss the details of your case with a family member. Calls from detention facilities are often recorded. Keep the call brief: your name, your location, and that you need representation.
Do not speak to other detainees about your case
Fellow detainees are not bound by any privilege. Conversations in a holding cell have been used as evidence in court more often than most people realize. Keep the details of your situation entirely to yourself until you are speaking privately with your lawyer.
Remember everything you can
As soon as you are able, mentally catalogue every detail: the names of officers, the time of arrest, what was said to you, whether a warrant was presented, and any witnesses present. This information can be critical to building your defense and your attorney will need it urgently.
"The first 24 hours are not just the beginning of a legal process — they are often where cases are won or lost. The right attorney, contacted at the right moment, changes everything."
OTHER BLOGS
See other carefully curated blogs and keep yourself updated with the times.
(FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
What does your consultation include?
Every victory here represents a life protected, a business saved, or a future secured. Names are confidential. Results are not.
How do you charge for your services?
How long does a typical case take to resolve?
Do you handle cases outside your primary practice areas?
How do you ensure complete confidentiality?
What makes you different from other attorneys?
What does your consultation include?
Every victory here represents a life protected, a business saved, or a future secured. Names are confidential. Results are not.
How do you charge for your services?
How long does a typical case take to resolve?
Do you handle cases outside your primary practice areas?
How do you ensure complete confidentiality?
What makes you different from other attorneys?
YOUR SITUATION DESERVES A WINNER
One conversation could change everything. Tell me what you're facing. I'll tell you exactly where you stand. No obligations. No pressure.
All consultations are 100% confidential.