Being accused of a crime or even arrested has serious consequences. It is rarely the case that you can simply sidestep the event and go on with life as though it never happened. Once accused and arrested, there is a procedure to be followed that you will be forced to engage with whether you want to or not. However, if you believe the charges are unjust and you are innocent, then the guide below details exactly what to do next.  

Do not Speak Freely

If you are about to be detained by officers of the law, or facing any kind of criminal charges, it is important to mind what you say. Being mindful about how you communicate and what information you release is essential at this point because anything you do say can and will be used as evidence against you. That is why you must only speak properly and free if you have your attorney’s full permission and have listened to their advice first.

Never Consent to Things Without Understanding Why

Often, verbal consent is enough for police officers to carry out searches in your home or business. That is why you can’t agree to anything verbally. So, if you are asked be clear that you do not consent or try to say nothing at all until your attorney is by your side. There are proper procedures to be followed and even if you have nothing to hide, being subjected to a police search is highly invasive regardless.

Consult With Your Attorney At All Times

An expert attorney like the ones at the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein will provide you with advice and guidance that should be adhered to at all times until you are free and acquitted. That means, before making any decisions or accepting any commitments you have to talk to them first. Your attorney will be the person who guides you and a part of this will mean careful listening and even more attentive action.

Keep Your Nerve

This will be a tense time, but it is more important than ever before to keep your nerve. An anxious brain is one that acts irrationally, and you cannot afford any slip-ups until you are properly released. Watch out for clear signs that you are about to give in to the pressure like panic attacks, intense bursts of anger, or feeling as though you are going to burst into tears. If any of this is happening, then it is time to take a step back and practice some breathing. You can always advocate for a minute or two’s break if you are facing questions, and people should keep your well-being as a focus throughout.

Ask For Support

Who is in your support network? These are the people you trust and can rely on to make life feel a little easier during tough events. Lean on them now and use their support to help you through. It is normal to feel helpless or completely out of control, so having someone or multiple people that continue to keep your feet on the ground will be worth more than words can say. Whether it is your parents, best friend, partner, or even a sibling, these are the people that will keep you sane and get you through to the other side.

Being arrested for a crime you did not commit is a tense situation to say the least. You may feel overwhelmed and experience a range of emotions that you are not prepared for. The best way to proceed is to hold your nerve and find expert legal support as soon as possible. Your innocence can be proven, as long as you play by the rules.