when you get arreste, how do you get a lawyer

by Margarette Feeney 4 min read

  1. Figure out if you need a criminal defense lawyer. If you have been arrested for allegedly committing a crime, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
  2. Look for specialists. Some criminal defense attorneys specialize in certain areas of the law. ...
  3. Identify whether you are in state or federal court. Attorneys are only allowed to represent clients in certain areas and in certain court systems.
  4. Think about your ability to pay for a lawyer. In criminal court, you have the right to be represented by a lawyer regardless of your ability to pay.
  5. Determine when you can contact a lawyer. When you are arrested, law enforcement will either hold you in jail while you await your first court appearance or you will ...

If you are arrested and charged with a crime, you are entitled to the assistance of an attorney. You should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney or the local public defender's office to talk about your case.

Full Answer

What should I do if I need an attorney after being arrested?

Once arrested or accused of a crime, you have the right to retain an attorney. The U.S Constitution guarantees that a public attorney should be provided for you at the expense of the state, in a situation where you cannot afford one yourself. When to Talk to your Attorney You should speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

How do I get a criminal defense lawyer?

Sep 23, 2019 · If you have been arrested by the police, there are many things you should do. For example, you should generally remain calm and silent and get an attorney who can advise you of your rights and help you with complicated criminal laws and the legal system. There are also many things you shouldn’t do if you’ve been arrested. For instance, you should never talk to …

Do you need a lawyer to get out of jail?

Do You Need an Attorney to Get Out of Jail? No, an attorney is not needed to post bail or to get a defendant out of jail. However, a defendant charged with a crime that results in a prison or jail term is entitled to counsel. And a defendant being questioned about matters relating to an alleged crime may request an attorney be present. In these situations, if the defendant cannot …

Should you talk to the police if you are arrested?

Oct 12, 2020 · To calm yourself, take a deep breath and hold it for a couple of seconds. Then slowly release the air. Take another deep breath. 3 Speak politely. You shouldn’t swear or cuss out the officer, no matter how angry you feel. Always say "Sir," "Ma’am," or "Officer" when speaking to the police. It is safer to be too polite than not polite enough. 4

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How Do You Get Someone Out of Jail?

The key to getting someone out of jail usually involvespaying bail. But before being released, a defendant must complete the bookingprocess, a bure...

Do You Need An Attorney to Get Out of Jail?

No, an attorney is not needed to post bail or to get adefendant out of jail. However, a defendant charged with a crime that resultsin a prison or j...

What’S The Order of Events?

The timeline may go as follows: 1. The defendant is arrested. 2. The defendant is taken to the police station andbooked. 3. After booking, the defe...

Does A Defendant Always Have to Pay Bail?

No, sometimes, after considering factors such as theseriousness of the crime, the lack of a criminal record, and the defendant’sfamily relationship...

Are There Any Dangers in Posting Bail For Someone else?

Yes, if the defendant fails to show up for the scheduledtrial date or hearing, bail is forfeited and whatever was paid (or “posted”) willbe subject...

What Is A Bail Bond Service?

A bail bond service is similar to a loan company. In returnfor paying a non-refundable fee (known as a “premium” and typically ten percentof the bo...

Giving Up Rights to Get Freedom

Regardless of whether a defendant is released onbail or released without bail, the defendant must abide by certain conditionsor be subject to re-ar...

The Arrest and Booking Process

Once the police stop you for an arrest, your outer clothing will be searched to confirm if you have any weapons on you. After the arrest, they will do a proper search of your person for any evidence of a crime such as possession of weapons, contraband, or stolen items.

Right to an Attorney

Once arrested or accused of a crime, you have the right to retain an attorney. The U.S Constitution guarantees that a public attorney should be provided for you at the expense of the state, in a situation where you cannot afford one yourself.

When to Talk to your Attorney

You should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Usually, you will be brought before a judge in a courthouse for arraignment where your attorney will advocate on your behalf. Here, the judge determines whether you can be released on bail or reprimanded in jail while you await your case to be resolved.

What to do if you are arrested?

There are many things you can and should do once you have been arrested. These will help ensure that your legal rights are not violated. Some of the things you should do if arrested include: 1 Remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions the police ask you in connection with the arrest. Anything you say can potentially be used against you in court. 2 Be polite and behave respectfully towards the police officer (s). 3 Remain calm. 4 Contact your attorney or ask for one if you don’t have one yet. Don’t say anything until the attorney is present. 5 Try to remember the badge numbers of any officers you interact with, as well as their patrol car number (s). 6 Make sure that your attorney is present for any questioning or discussions. 7 Be sure that your attorney is present for any lineups or testing procedures (such as drawing a blood sample. 8 Let your attorney deal with the police and prosecutors, especially if they offer you some kind of deal or plea bargain. 9 If you have been injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible and seek medical attention. 10 Try to find and identify witnesses and get their contact information (name, phone number).

What should I do if I'm arrested by the police?

For example, you should generally remain calm and silent and get an attorney who can advise you of your rights and help you with complicated criminal laws and the legal system. There are also many things you shouldn’t do if you’ve been arrested.

How to be a good police officer?

Anything you say can potentially be used against you in court. Be polite and behave respectfully towards the police officer (s). Remain calm. Contact your attorney or ask for one if you don’t have one yet. Don’t say anything until the attorney is present.

Who is Jose from LegalMatch?

Jose (Jay) is a Senior Staff writer and team Editor for LegalMatch. He has been with LegalMatch since March of 2010. He contributes to the law library section of the company website by writing on a wide range of legal topics.

Can you resist arrest?

Do not resist arrest. Even if you are innocent, resisting arrest can lead to increased charges or additional legal/criminal issues. In particular, do not touch the officers in any way, or even attempt to touch them. Do not believe the things the police might tell you in order to get you to talk.

What to do if you feel your rights have been violated?

If you feel that your rights have been violated in the process of an arrest, you may need to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help review what happened and can help determine whether your rights have been violated. In some cases, suing the police may be appropriate if your rights have been infringed upon.

Can police search your house without a warrant?

If the police arrest you outside of your home or place of residence, do not allow any officer to go into your home to get clothes, talk to your wife, etc. If you accept such a request, then the police may escort you into your home and begin to search it without a warrant. The same applies to your car.

What happens if you can't afford an attorney?

In these situations, if the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one. ( Read more about criminal defense counsel .) The advantage of retaining an attorney at the time of arrest is that the attorney may be able to get the bail reduced or get charges reduced (resulting in lower bail).

What happens if a defendant accepts bail?

After booking, the defendant may be offered to option to pay bail based on a schedule of common crimes—for example, $500 for a nonviolent misdemeanor. If the defendant accepts this option and pays bail, the defendant is released.

Can an attorney text you?

Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

What is bail in court?

Bail is security (money or property) that a defendant posts with a court . The payment does two things: It grants the defendant freedom (at least until the date of trial); and it discourages the defendant from skipping town (or the trial).

Do you have to pay bail before release?

In some instances, no bail is required for release (as explained below). Usually, though, a court will require payment of bail before release.

What is the purpose of bail?

A judge sets bail based on factors such as: the defendant's financial condition. The purpose of bail is not to punish the defendant. When it comes to common crimes—for example, shoplifting or reckless driving—the police sometimes use preset bail schedules.

Can a person be released without bail?

No, sometimes, after considering factors such as the seriousness of the crime, the lack of a criminal record, and the defendant's family relationship and community standing, a judge will permit the defendant to be released without bail (referred to as a "release O.R." or a release on own recognizance ).

What happens when you are stopped for a crime?

When you’re stopped on suspicion of a crime, the legal process begins with an arrest or brief detention. Officers can stop and question you if they think you’re involved with the crime.

What happens if you are not guilty of a misdemeanor?

If you say you’re not guilty in a misdemeanor case, your lawyer and the prosecutors will exchange their own individual information on your case. This process is “discovery.” Both sides will decide if they want to file pretrial motions to dismiss the case or discuss other ways to resolve the case without a costly trial.

What to do if you have been arrested?

If you’ve recently been arrested, it’s important to act immediately. Hiring a criminal lawyer to represent you is the smartest first move you can make. These professionals can advise you on all legal steps of arrest to sentencing.

What to say when you are arrested?

Once you are arrested, you should also state that you want to talk to a lawyer. State clearly, “I want to talk to my lawyer.”. Once you request an attorney, the police must stop all questioning. However, if they continue to badger you, then repeat, “I don’t want to talk to you. I want to talk to an attorney.”.

How to calm yourself down?

To calm yourself, take a deep breath and hold it for a couple of seconds. Then slowly release the air. Take another deep breath. ...

What happens if you talk to police?

If you talk, you might incriminate yourself. For this reason, police might say all kinds of things to get you to talk. You need to realize that police can lie to you and twist the truth. For example, police might tell you that if you talk, then they’ll let you go.

How to avoid negative consequences?

However, in order to avoid any negative consequences, you need to stay calm and in control of yourself during the encounter. You will be better off if you show respect to the police, even if you don’t think they deserve it. At the same time, you should be focused on protecting your rights, such as the right to remain silent.

Can police do a pat down?

The police can perform a pat down if they have “reasonable suspicion” that you have a weapon on you. They may also search your vehicle if they arrest you or if they have “probable cause” that your car contains evidence of a crime. However, the police often try to get you to consent to a search.

What is an initial appearance?

This is typically called an “initial appearance.”. The judge should ask you whether you can afford an attorney or if you want a public defender. Tell the judge you want a public defender. You will probably have to complete an application to request a public defender.

How to escalate a situation?

Tell the truth. Unfortunately, you can escalate a situation by lying to the police or pretending to be dumb. Although you don’t have to speak to the police, you shouldn’t lie to them if you do. Also don’t think that you can get out of an arrest by faking a panic attack or another medical emergency.

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What Happens When You Get Arrested?

  • In case you’re taken into custody, knowing what happens next will help prepare your case for the justice system. Here are some basics on what happens when you’re arrested.
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What Is A Trial?

  • If your case moves on towards a trial, that’s when all the facts of your case are openly presented to a judge or jury. If the facts are presented to a judge to make a final ruling, this process is a “bench trial.” If the facts are presented to a panel of community members, this process is a “jury trial.”
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What Happens During A Trial?

  • When your trial starts, lawyers from both sides will give their opening statements about your case. They will also present their legal arguments that support or challenge your plea. Lawyers from both sides will also share their evidence and any witness testimony that pertains to your case. After all legal arguments and testimony is over, each attorney concludes their presentation with …
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The Verdict

  • If a judge or jury believes that you are innocent, that is an “acquittal.” You are then released from custody. If a judge or jury believes that you are guilty, you will be sentenced and punished for your crime. During the sentencing phase, the judge decides what is an appropriate punishment for your offense. Appropriate forms of punishment can range from more jail time to community service.
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Next Steps

  • If you’ve recently been arrested, it’s important to act immediately. Hiring a criminal lawyer to represent you is the smartest first move you can make. These professionals can advise you on all legal steps of arrest to sentencing. Remember that you have the right to remain silent if you’re questioned by the police. Anything you say might be used to build the police report on your case…
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