Being arrested can be a stressful and scary experience. This might be your first brush with the law, and you might not know what to do. When feeling fear while going through an unfamiliar system with many unknowns, you might make mistakes that could negatively affect your criminal case.
Taking certain actions following your arrest can prevent law enforcement officials from gathering additional evidence against you, help build your defense, and facilitate a quick and efficient release from police custody while you await trial.
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Columbus, contact Andy Callif Bail Bonds at (614) 945-4334 for assistance with the bail bonds process.
Some of the things you do after an arrest can hurt your case, and some can help. Below are a few of the dos and don'ts when a police officer takes you into custody.
Don't Explain Your Side of the Story
You might have been arrested by mistake, because someone made false accusations against you, or because you engaged in the alleged behavior but had a lawful and justifiable reason for doing so. Whatever the situation, you might feel that the arrest is unwarranted and want to explain yourself to law enforcement officials.
Although it's essential to ensure that your voice is heard in a criminal matter, asserting your arguments at the time of your arrest is not a good idea. First, regardless of what you say, the officers will take you into custody. Second, you might make incriminating statements that can be later used against you.
The appropriate time and place to argue your case is at trial, not at your arrest.
Don't Resist Officers
Again, you may believe that your arrest is unfair. Still, trying to avoid what you believe to be an unjustified action by law enforcement officials by resisting can do more harm than good. Fighting with officers, fleeing the scene, or driving away can result in additional criminal charges and penalties. Additionally, a judge could consider such behavior when determining your bail amount.
Don't Discuss the Details of Your Case Over the Phone
After your arrest, you have the right to make a phone call. Officials can monitor the conversation between you and the person on the other end of the line (unless it's your lawyer). Anything you say during the call can be used against you in your case.
Therefore, you must limit the scope of your call to information that will let your loved ones know where you are and how to get you out of jail.
Don't Lose Hope After Bail Is Set
Bail allows you to get out of jail while the trial is pending for your criminal case. It also ensures that you appear in court when required. Although the amount can't be excessive or serve only as a form of punishment, it can be high.
You might not have the funds on hand to cover the total costs of your bail amount. But that doesn't mean you must wait in police custody until your case concludes. You can have a bail bonds company post bail on your behalf. We'll discuss this option in more detail in just a bit.
Do Remain Silent
Apart from giving law enforcement officials your basic information, you are not required to answer their questions. If an officer starts asking you about the alleged offense or tries to engage you in any conversation, let them know that you are exercising your right to stay quiet and will not provide statements until you have a lawyer present.
At that point, the officer's interrogation should end. If it doesn't, and they continue asking you questions, you can remain silent. You should not face any consequences for not talking to officials.
Do Be Respectful
At all times during your interactions with law enforcement officials, be respectful. When exercising your rights, do so politely. Being defiant or showing disrespect could hurt your case later.
Do Call a Bail Bonds Company
If the bail amount is above your financial means, you can have a bail bond agency help you get released from jail. For a small, non-refundable fee, one of the company's agents will take care of the necessary paperwork and post bail for you.
Having a knowledgeable bail bonds agent on your side enables you or your loved ones to efficiently navigate the bail process, allowing you to be free from police custody as soon as possible.
Andy Callif Bail Bonds provides reliable bail bond services in Columbus. Contact us at (614) 945-4334 today.