After An Arrest

What to Do

After An Arrest

A criminal arrest can bring feelings of shock, fear, confusion and stress. The experience can be a blur, leaving the arrested person unsure of what to do. Are you in this situation? The steps you take now could affect the outcome of your case, so make sure you know what to do.

Shield Law serves Southern California, including Los Angeles County, Glendale, Long Beach, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Van Nuys, San Bernardino, and Riverside County.  Attorney Kareem Aref has experience in criminal law both as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Mr. Aref is an effective, skilled and experienced litigator

TAKE THESE THREE STEPS

1. SHUT UP

“You have the right to remain silent” is one part of the Miranda warning, which is what you hear when an officer reads you your rights during an arrest. You do not have to answer the officer’s questions. You do not have to say anything at all, and you should not. Respectfully tell the officer that you do not want to answer any questions or say anything until you have your lawyer.

2. STAY CALM

 A criminal arrest can make you angry, scared, or confused, but getting upset at the arresting officer will make matters worse. Remain calm and do not say anything disrespectful or aggressive. Prove that you do not want to cause any trouble and your case could go a lot smoother.​

3. CALL A LAWYER

After an arrest, the most important step is to hire a capable Southern California criminal defense attorney. The moment the officer takes you into custody, “anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law” as noted in the Miranda warning. To protect yourself from incrimination, it’s essential to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer.