What To Do If You Are Arrested
What to do if you are arrested:
1. Do not resist, argue, or fight back. Once a police officer has decided to arrest you, any kind of resistance will only worsen your situation. In addition to being charged with resisting arrest, you could be forcibly held down or beaten.
2. Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not say anything except "I want to speak to an attorney. Do not speak with other prisoners or other people with whom you have been arrested. They could twist your words or the conversation could be being video taped.
3. Know that your phone call might be taped. Use your one phone call to call either a trusted family member, a Chicago criminal defense attorney, or a justice organization, but do not incriminate yourself as the conversation could be taped.
4. Give only the necessary information to set bail. In order to set bail, you will need to give your name, number, and address, as well as the name, number, and address of an immediate family member and your employer.
5. Ask for the names and badge numbers of the arresting officer(s) and the officers who handle you at the station. You are entitled to this information.
6. If you think you have been abused or your rights have not been upheld, do not tell police officers this. They may think you are being belligerent or resisting arrest. Do make sure to tell your lawyer about any police actions that you think violated your rights.
Contact a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney at Acosta, Batovski, and Schmiege if you have been arrested or charged with a crime!