Arrested In Orlando? Here Are Five Things Not To Do
Were you arrested and charged with a crime? You are certainly not alone. According to data cited by the Brennan Center for Justice, as many Americans have criminal records as have four-year college degrees. Of course, an arrest is not the same thing as a conviction. You have the right to defend yourself. Unfortunately, a lot of people make avoidable mistakes following their arrest. In this article, our Orlando criminal defense attorney highlights five things not to do if you were arrested.
- Do Not Run from the Police
If the police are trying to arrest you, it is important to stay calm and not try to flee. Running from the police can only make the situation worse and could lead to additional charges being filed against you. This is especially true if you are in a motor vehicle. If you attempt to evade law enforcement in a motor vehicle in Central Florida, you could face a serious felony offense.
- Do Not Resist Arrest
It is natural to feel upset or angry if you are being arrested—especially so if the police do not actually have good cause to take you into custody. Still, you must avoid resisting the arrest. An attempt to resist arrest will only make the situation more difficult. In Florida, resisting arrest with force is a felony criminal offense. It could be a more serious charge than the alleged original offense.
- Do Not Allow a Search
The police may ask to search you or your property, but you have the right to refuse. If you allow the police to search without a warrant, you may be giving up important legal protections. It is imperative to understand your rights and to assert them if you are asked to allow a search. The police may opt to conduct a search anyway—but if you deny your consent you will have a chance to challenge a potentially-illegal search in court.
- Do Not Talk to the Law Enforcement
You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an Orlando criminal defense attorney before answering any questions. It is essential that you exercise this right. Remember, any statement that you make and any question that you answer can be used against you in court. It is easy for your words to be taken out of context or otherwise twisted.
- Do Not Go it Alone
The criminal justice process is complicated. An experienced Orlando criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly by the legal system. Do not try to handle the situation on your own. A top Orlando, FL criminal defense lawyer will protect your rights and interests every step of the way.
Consult With Our Orlando, FL Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense attorney is a strong, experienced, and reliable advocate for defendants. If you or someone close to you was placed under arrest, we are here to protect your rights. Contact us now to request your fully confidential case evaluation. From our Orlando law office, we provide criminal defense representation throughout Central Florida.
Source:
brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/just-facts-many-americans-have-criminal-records-college-diplomas