If you’ve been arrested, it’s important to remain calm and take steps to protect your rights. That said, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain as to how to best protect yourself. As a result, the best thing you can do is speak with an Ann Arbor criminal defense lawyer who can defend you against your charges and protect your future.
Have You Actually Been Arrested?
It may seem hard to believe, but it isn’t always easy to tell if you are under arrest. As a result, the very first thing you need to do is ask if you are under arrest. The police may not answer the question directly, but If you are free to leave, then you are not under arrest and you should leave immediately. If you are under arrest, the next steps you take are critical.
Do Not Talk to the Police
You are probably familiar with the most basic of Miranda rights: the right to remain silent. However, the temptation to explain yourself can be difficult to resist, and many people will jeopardize this right by answering seemingly harmless questions. After all, many people worry that they will “look guilty” if they don’t cooperate with the police. Unfortunately, anything you say can and will be used against you, even pertaining to inconsequential details.