What Not To Do After Being Arrested in Nassau or Suffolk County
Getting arrested can be one of the worst things you can experience. Most arrests happen when you least expect them to, which is why so many people feel blindsided when it happens. This feeling may lead them to make some serious mistakes, which can make the situation after the arrest worse. If you’re ever arrested in New York, here are a few things you should avoid doing at all costs.
1. Don’t Resist Or Argue
While you might be frustrated or upset about getting arrested, resisting or trying to escape will only make things worse. In fact, New York classifies it as a Class A misdemeanor, and you can receive up to a year in jail. Whatever you do, try to stay calm and avoid getting confrontational. By complying, the police won’t use excessive force on you and will let you go if you’re not guilty.
2. Only Talk When Your Lawyer’s Present
Anything you say from the moment you get arrested could be used against you in court. Even the smallest comment could be taken out of context and be enough to cause issues. That being said, stay quiet and don’t say anything until your lawyer is present. They’ll help you communicate with authorities in a way that’s appropriate and won’t undermine your defense.
3. Follow Your Conditions Of Release
If you make bail or receive conditional release by the court, they will give you specific instructions to follow when you’re out. This can include:
- Court dates
- Curfews
- Contact restrictions
- Drug testing
Follow everything to the letter if you’re trying to stay out of jail. Violating any of these conditions could result in your being re-arrested and negatively impacting your court outcome.
4. Don’t Share It On Social Media
You might want to keep your friends and family updated about what happened on social media. However, doing this can hurt your chances in court. Law enforcement can check your social media profiles if they have a valid reason to do so. Even private accounts aren’t completely safe. To avoid any issues, don’t post anything about what happened and leave your accounts alone.
5. Don’t Let Police Search Without A Warrant
By law, police need to have a valid search warrant before searching your belongings. Don’t let them in if they don’t have one. While there are a few exceptions to this rule, refusing consent protects your legal rights. If they still go through with it, your criminal defense lawyer may challenge it in court.
Speak To Our Defense Lawyers
Going through an arrest may be a frustrating and traumatizing experience, regardless of whether you’re guilty or not. But the last thing you want to do is make the situation worse. Stay calm and wait until your lawyer is present to take the following steps.
If you’ve recently been arrested and need someone to protect your rights, our Long Island criminal defense lawyers are here to help. We’ll review your case’s details and build an airtight defense to ensure your rights are protected. Please contact us at (866) 574-0729 to schedule a free consultation today.