What To Do When You're Arrested

An attorney that will fight for you

Being arrested can be a terrifying experience. Once the process begins, there's no amount of talking or bargaining that can stop an arrest. However, there are ways you can protect your rights and reduce the amount of evidence that can be used to convict you in court.

Following an arrest, you need an experienced South Carolina criminal defense attorney on your side. The legal team at Matt Bodman, P.A. will gather the facts and use them in your defense. As a former prosecutor, attorney Bodman understands how the system works. Contact him today and find out how he can help you.

The dos and don'ts of being arrested

Here's what to do:

• Remain calm: Always remain calm during an arrest. Showing signs of nervousness may give police the impression that you're suspicious and guilty.
• Remain silent: Never, under any circumstance, speak to the police when you are being arrested or questioned. Assert your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Anything you say can later be used to convict you in court.
• Talk with an attorney: Make a clear and unambiguous request for a lawyer. If police or investigators have any questions, an experienced criminal defense attorney can answer them. Police may take advantage of suspects who don't know their rights. An experienced attorney will assert your rights.

And here's what not to do:

• Resist arrest: Never resist arrest or argue with the police. Additional charges could be added onto existing ones. This could result in a harsher sentence and may reduce your chances of a viable defense.
• Consent to a search: If a police officer asks if he or she can search your car or home, let them know that they don't have your consent. Even if you know you are 100 percent innocent, a search can reveal something illegal in your possession that you may not have known about. Refusing to consent will not necessarily stop the police from searching, but it does protect your rights in the event that they find evidence.
• Believe the police: The police are legally allowed to lie. It's a tactic they use to get suspects to talk. Don't believe anything the police say and don't say a word to them. Simply let them know that you want an attorney.
• Let police into your home: If you are arrested, tell the police that you do not consent to them entering your home. As soon as police enter your home, they can use anything they find to prove that you're guilty in court.

Don't hesitate to consult with an attorney

If you have been arrested, don't take any chances with your freedom. Always consult with an experienced South Carolina criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. The steps you take could affect the rest of your life.

With decades of experience and vast knowledge of South Carolina's legal system, attorney Matt Bodman knows how to fight effectively for you. Contact us today for a free consultation, or simply call toll free at 866-487-9077.