What Should You Do Immediately After Being Arrested in Virginia?

If you’ve been arrested, one of the first things you need to do is contact a criminal defense attorney in Richmond, VA. An attorney can get to work right away to protect your rights and build a strong case in your defense. Here’s what else to do after an arrest.

1. Do Not Resist

Never resist arrest, and cooperate completely with everything you’re asked to do. This doesn’t mean you should talk. It just means you should physically cooperate. Don’t give the police any excuse to slap another charge on you.

If the police request to search your home or car, always deny them permission unless they have a warrant, but do so politely and without offering any physical resistance. Even if they search anyway, if they don’t have a warrant and you denied them permission, we can usually challenge the search in court.

2. Immediately Assert Your Right to a Criminal Defense Attorney in Richmond, VA

Your most important legal right is the right not to be questioned or to speak without an attorney present. When asked questions, simply state firmly but calmly that you want to talk to a lawyer. Resist all temptation to explain yourself, and don’t believe anyone who implies that if you just explained yourself, this would all go away. If you’re being arrested, then they have already decided you’re guilty, and they aren’t asking for an explanation to help you. They are asking, hoping they can catch you in a lie or get you to say something that can be used against you.

3. Say Nothing About the Case to Anyone

It’s best not to discuss your case with anyone, including friends and family. You also don’t want to be discussing things onlin. Assume that you’re being investigated and that anything you say could get back to the prosecutor’s office and be used against you. Remember that it’s very easy to take things out of context, and law enforcement will often be happy to do so if it helps their case.

4. Don’t Accept Any Plea Deals Without a Lawyer

The prosecution may offer you a deal for a lower charge or promise to petition the court for sentencing to be lenient, but don’t sign anything without your lawyer. The prosecution isn’t on your side and isn’t interested in getting the best deal for you.

They’re interested in getting the case closed quickly, and if you don’t have a lawyer, expect them to take advantage of you if they can. Your lawyer will review the deal, negotiate with the prosecutor’s office, and make sure that you have all the facts so you know if it’s in your best interests to take a plea deal or if it would be better to go to court.

Call us today at La Fratta Law in Richmond or Charlottesville, VA if you or a loved one have been arrested, and we’ll get started on your strong defense.