how to contact a criminal defense attorney if you are arrested

Calling from Jail Download Article

• 1 Wait to be booked. The police will let you make a phone call after you are arrested. ...
• 2 Ask to make a phone call. Once you are booked, you should tell a jail guard that you want to talk to your attorney. [5] ...
• 3 Call friends or family. ...
• 4 Ask your friends or family to call a lawyer. ...

Full Answer

How do I talk to a lawyer about my case?

You should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney or the local public defender's office to talk about your case. An attorney will be able to tell you how your case is likely to fare in court and what to expect as you navigate the criminal justice system.

Do I need an attorney for a criminal defense attorney?

If you are arrested and charged with a crime, you are entitled to the assistance of an attorney. You should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney or the local public defender's office to talk about your case.

What should you do if you are arrested for a crime?

Call For Help. In most states, you are entitled to a phone call to your family, a bail bondsman, and an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, a public defender will be provided for you. You should memorize the numbers of a few people to call in case you are arrested.

What are my rights if I am arrested by the police?

Usually, a police officer will say something along the lines of, "You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney and if you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you.

When is a person arrested?

A person is arrested when a police officer takes that person into custody. An officer takes someone into custody whenever the person is not free to leave. Although many people who are arrested are taken to jail, the arrest often begins much earlier. For example, if a person is stopped on suspicion of robbery and questioned ...

What are the rights of a person who is arrested?

Every person who is arrested and questioned by police must be informed of their legal rights to remain silent and be assisted by an attorney (known as " Miranda r ights" after the Supreme Court decision of the same name). Usually, a police officer will say something along the lines of, "You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney and if you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you. If you waive these rights and talk to us, anything you say may be used against you in court. Do you understand these rights?" Some police departments will ask a person to sign a written Miranda waiver before talking. It is almost never a good idea to waive your Miranda rights.

What is an Arrest?

A person is arrested when a police officer takes that person into custody. An officer takes someone into custody whenever the person is not free to leave. Although many people who are arrested are taken to jail, the arrest often begins much earlier. For example, if a person is stopped on suspicion of robbery and questioned and is not free to terminate the questioning, then the person is under arrest.

What happens if you are arrested without probable cause?

And that person can end up with serious injuries. If you are arrested without probable cause, fight in court, not on the street.

What is probable cause in criminal justice?

the officer has probable cause (reason to believe) that the person has committed a felony (any crime punishable by state prison), or. a judge or magistrate has issued an arrest warrant, supported by probable cause. For more information, see Arrests and Probable Cause.

What does a police officer say?

Usually, a police officer will say something along the lines of, "You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney and if you cannot afford an attorney one will be appointed for you. If you waive these rights and talk to us, anything you say may be used against you in court.

What happens after you are arrested?

If you are arrested, you will be searched – either at the scene or at jail, or both – and any contraband or evidence will be seized. You will be photographed and fingerprinted and there will be a record of the arrest.

Keep your cool and follow all orders

Even if you don’t think you’ve done anything wrong. Stay cool, even if you are outraged and feel the arrest was illegal. Follow the officer’s directions. The fact is that you do not need to have committed a crime to be arrested; all an officer needs is probable reason to suspect you have.

Maintain your personal safety

It’s vital to follow orders to avoid further costs, but it’s also important to follow them to keep oneself safe. You risk giving the officer a justification to use force if you fight arrest. This has the potential to cause significant damage or even death. On the street, do not challenge the officer’s authority.