Being arrested is a scary experience, especially if you do not know what to do to protect yourself. Taking certain steps immediately after the arrest can help you protect your legal rights.

First, the police must identify you, so they know who they have in custody. Second, they might question you about the alleged crime you were arrested for. While you should not withhold information about your identity, you should avoid answering other questions. Call a lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you answer questions without incriminating yourself. You should next talk to your lawyer about whether you can return home or if you should prepare for a bail hearing. Cash bail is less popular nowadays, but your attorney can give you an idea of how much bail might cost so you can begin gathering the necessary funds. You should also discuss potential defense strategies soon after arrest. Even though your case is still in its early stages, a skilled lawyer can begin identifying potential defense tactics quickly.

Get a free case evaluation from our Philadelphia criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Lloyd Long by calling (215) 302-0171.

Talking to the Police After Being Arrested in Pennsylvania

Being arrested can feel scary, overwhelming, and chaotic. Your first instinct might be to resist the police, but this is not a good idea. Even if you know the police have the wrong person, and you should not be arrested, it is best to cooperate with law enforcement during the arrest. Once you get to the police station, our Bucks County criminal defense attorneys can help you sort things out with the authorities.

The police will likely ask you a number of questions after you are arrested. Some questions you should answer, others you should not. Generally, the police ask biographical questions first. This includes information about your name, address, contact information, family members, and details to help establish your identity. You must answer these questions. Do not worry; your answers are usually not incriminating and should not be used against you later. Refusing to answer these basic questions might actually land you in more trouble.

If the police ask questions about the alleged offense for which you were arrested, do not answer them. This is the time to invoke your right to remain silent. The police might try to pressure you into answering questions, but do not answer anything until you have a lawyer with you.

Not only do you have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions, but you also have the right to have an attorney with you at this time. Invoke your rights and get a lawyer. It might take time for your lawyer to get to your location and help you, but they are worth the wait.

When to Call a Lawyer After Being Arrested in Pennsylvania

It is best to call a lawyer as soon as possible. If the police decide to question you after you are arrested, avoid answering incriminating questions without a lawyer. The police should inform you of your Miranda rights, which include your right to have a lawyer.

It is a good idea to ask the police when you can make a phone call. Your phone call might not happen immediately, but the police cannot deny you your right to contact a lawyer. Demand an attorney as soon as you possibly can.

You might have to wait a while, but the police are supposed to let you contact your loved ones. If you already have a lawyer, call them and explain the situation. If you do not know their phone number, call a family member and have them contact your attorney. If you have not yet retained a lawyer, get your family to find one for you.

There are numerous ways in which your attorney can help you immediately after an arrest. First, they can help you navigate police questioning. If answering questions will do more harm than good, your lawyer can help you end questioning. They can also start looking for possible defense strategies and evidence that can be used to help you.

Returning Home After Being Arrested in Pennsylvania

If you are not released from police custody, you should talk to your lawyer about bail. Criminal defendants have a right to bail under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5701 unless they are charged with a capital offense or the court determines that no bail conditions are sufficient to ensure the community’s safety.

Ask your lawyer about the bail process and what you can expect. Requiring defendants to pay money to secure their bail has been falling out of favor in recent years. Many counties in Pennsylvania no longer use a cash bail system or only use it in limited cases.

If you need money, your attorney can help you get an idea of how much you need. This way, you and your family can be prepared for bail when you have a bail hearing. Keep in mind that nothing is final until the bail hearing.

Discussing Defense Strategies with Your Lawyer After Being Arrested in Pennsylvania

Depending on what happened after your arrest, you should start talking to your lawyer about defense strategies as soon as possible. If you have been formally charged with a crime, your defense might be more involved. Exculpatory evidence, witnesses, or an alibi should be discussed.

Is a plea deal the best solution? Talk to your lawyer. If your attorney thinks you can get charges greatly reduced in exchange for a guilty plea, you might want to consider it seriously. Identifying possible defense strategies early in the game can help you make a more informed decision later.

What are the odds of getting the charges dropped or the case dismissed? Ask your lawyer. Charges do not always stick, even when the police try to scare you into thinking they will. The police might not have the evidence to support the charges. Your lawyer should be able to find out.

Get Help from Our Pennsylvania Criminal Defense Lawyers

Get a free case evaluation from our Bensalem, PA criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Lloyd Long by calling (215) 302-0171.