If you have been arrested for assault, be aware that this is a very serious charge, and you need to take immediate steps to protect yourself. Once you’re able, contact a criminal defense lawyer with experience in your area as quickly as possible.
What Steps Should You take Immediately After Being Arrested for Assault?
1. Cooperate
Whatever the circumstances under which you’re being arrested, the best possible thing you can do is to cooperate with the police fully. Don’t fight, don’t run, don’t be impolite, and don’t say anything except that you want to talk to your lawyer.
If someone else has called the police into a situation, even if that person is making claims against you that are not true, do your very best to stay calm. The calmer you are, the better everything looks for you. Your lawyer will help you get everything sorted out quickly if you are being falsely accused.
2. Stay Silent But Polite
Under no circumstances should you tell the police anything other than that you want to talk to your lawyer. Many times, the police will try telling you that it’s in your best interest to explain what happened. They may try to claim that this whole thing can get cleared up quickly if you’ll just tell them what happened, or they may mention to you that you look guilty if you ask for a lawyer: “if you didn’t do anything, why do you need a lawyer?” Resist the urge to defend yourself and calmly and politely refuse to answer questions without your lawyer present.
3. Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Call a lawyer as soon as you are given the opportunity, and be sure to look for a lawyer who actually has experience in criminal defense. You may already have a lawyer for other reasons, such as a tax lawyer or a divorce lawyer, but criminal defense is something entirely different. You want someone who understands the laws, all the consequences of what you’re being accused of, and who is willing to bring their expertise to bear on your behalf. Learn more here about what to look for in an experienced criminal defense attorney.
4. Tell Your Attorney Everything
You’re telling the police and the prosecutor’s office nothing without your lawyer present: but you should tell your lawyer everything. Once you have hired a lawyer, remember that attorney-client privilege protects everything that you say. Your attorney is obligated by law and by the morals of their profession to act in your best interests, even if you are guilty.
If you don’t tell your lawyer everything, they cannot possibly defend you well. They need to know what happened, what to expect from the police, and what to investigate in order to best defend you. They also need this information to negotiate a good plea bargain on your behalf, if that is appropriate.
After you’ve been arrested, the steps are pretty simple: cooperate, remain calm and polite, don’t speak without a lawyer present, and get a lawyer as quickly as you can.
