What Not to Do If You’re Arrested

Choose the Wrong Words

An arrest can be a confusing, frightening event that makes you feel a range of emotions. Fear, worry, panic, anger, and even shame often cloud your judgment with regard to how you speak. Whether police arrest you in traffic, in a store, or in your home, always be careful what you say to the officers and to others around you.



Never insult or verbally abuse police during an arrest. Shouting profanities and threats easily leads to violence and an officer could claim you are inciting a fight. Instead, try to remain calm and quiet. In fact, you have the right to remain silent and offer nothing with regards to your alleged crime.

Your Miranda rights mean your silence frees you from the potential to further incriminate yourself or appear guilty. In addition to not shouting or insulting the police, never offer information to police other than to show your driver's license and proof of vehicular ownership. They may see your statements as a confession.

Behave Poorly

Along with word choice, your actions play an important role during an arrest. Emotions may make you want to run away, resist arrest, or become violent. You may feel like acting out against authority especially if you're innocent.

This type of behavior isn’t a good idea because it obliges officers to use force on you. Instances like these can quickly escalate and result in injuries. Additionally, officers can charge you with further crimes like resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, or attempting to flee a scene.

Poor behavior during an arrest can also give officers reason to engage in additional actions. For example, they may decide to search your person, car, or home if they feel it is necessary.

Instead, stay calm and obey officers when they give commands, even if you are not guilty. The arrest will go much more smoothly and quickly when you behave properly.

Refuse to Call a Bail Bondsman

After your arrest, the police will take you to the station for booking before you are placed in a jail cell. Normally you have the opportunity to make a phone call. Keep in mind the police must process you first before this can happen.

Many who are arrested call a loved one or a trusted friend for help. If the charges are especially serious, you may also need to call an attorney. But what if your arrest is for something minor, or you have no family or friends nearby you can turn to for help?

Don't miss out on your opportunity to still make your phone call. You can be proactive with regards to your incarceration and call a bail bondsman in the event a friend or family member is unable to assist you right away. Most bail agents are available around the clock, every day of the year. This means you can reach out for help anytime day or night.

A bail agent can work with you to secure your release. You can use a variety of ways such as cash or the equity in a house to pay for your bail bond, usually 10% of the bail amount. In some instances, you can post bail yourself, and your agent can quickly help you identify whether this is possible. For example, if you are a long-term resident in the area, have a good credit score, or this is your first offense.

The Bail agents at Matt McKeehan Bail Bonds are ready to assist in the event of an arrest. Call us and find out how easy it can be to obtain the necessary bail bond for your release.