Few experiences can match the overwhelming stress that accompanies an arrest. From the chill of handcuffs to the sound of police reading your Miranda Rights, there’s nothing pleasant about being detained. Unfortunately, anxiety often overcomes the ability to think clearly, and many people make mistakes during the arrest process that threaten their ability to deliver an effective defense.
If Law enforcement have arrested you, then a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney from Leader & Leader, P.A. can evaluate your charges and structure a comprehensive defense. We have more than eight decades of experience, and we understand how to find success in court. Call us today at 954-523-2020 to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, read on to learn three mistakes that you should avoid if police arrest you:
Mistake 1: Admitting Fault
Many people instinctually want to appease authority figures, especially when they have done something wrong. Although you should never lie to police, admitting fault could put you in a precarious position. It is important to know the police, in many situations, can lie to you. Even if you believe have done nothing wrong, it is most often wise not to say anything without speaking with an attorney.
Officers may try to coerce you into a confession. If you confess or admit to any participation in the crime, then you are giving the prosecuting authority evidence to use against you in court. We believe it is rarely helpful to our clients to have admitted fault or answered questions without an attorney present. It is generally a good idea to be polite, remain calm and respectfully decline to answer any questions without an attorney present no matter what is said or promised.
Mistake 2: Trying to Explain Your Actions
During an arrest and subsequent interrogation, many people try to explain themselves. This is almost always a mistake.
Even if you had no role in the alleged crime, the police will not necessarily believe your side of the story. After all, law enforcement regularly interact with people hiding things or lying to them and they’re accustomed to hearing fabricated stories. Again, if police wish to question, detain or arrest you, then it is best to let an attorney speak for you during interrogations.
Many people feel overwhelmed during interrogations and provide inaccurate statements that can be used against them in court. It may be difficult to convince the court that the statements were not accurate.
Also, leading questions during your interrogation may make your original explanation full of the police officer’s innuendos. This can result in an unreliable, unfocused statement that could negatively influence the outcome of your case.
Mistakes 3: Answering Questions without Legal Representation
We are not opposed to being honest and courteous to police. However, this does not mean that you should answer their questions. In fact, there is rarely an appropriate time to answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present.
You are entitled to remain silent during and after an arrest. If you fail to exercise this right, then whatever you say can be used against you in court. A qualified criminal defense attorney can help ensure that you do not do anything to make your situation worse,regardless of guilt or innocence. Often the most innocuous statements or comments may seem meaningless to you but can have a significant legal impact making matters more complicated for you.
If you have been arrested in Florida and would like to speak with a criminal defense attorney, contact Leader & Leader, P.A. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for an initial consultation. Call our office at 954-523-2020 to start planning your defense.
