The Ten Don’ts Of Being Arrested

If you find yourself being arrested on a white-collar crime charge, there are some things you should avoid doing:

  • Don’t run. If you attempt to flee, you run the risk of injury to yourself or others. You also run the risk of a very unpleasant forceful arrest. Law enforcement officials who have been forced to participate in a chase are more likely to be agitated and consequently draw their weapons.
  • Don’t explain. You can only hurt yourself by talking. Simply invoke your right to remain silent by stating, “I’m not going to say anything until I speak to my attorney.”
  • Don’t get overconfident. This advice includes not getting chatty or sassy. By no means interfere with the law enforcement personnel effecting the arrest. They’re just doing their job. You do yours by staying silent.
  • Don’t give permission to search your person, your personal effects, your car, or your house or apartment. If ordered to turn over your bag or your keys, state the following in a firm but polite manner: “You do NOT have my permission to search.” Then hand over the item. If there are witnesses nearby who overhear your statement, it may be possible for your attorney later to exclude from evidence what is found.
  • Don’t look around nervously at the places you don’t want them to search. Do not tip them off by looking at precisely where you don’t want them to search. Also avoid gasping or sighing. Simply stare at the ground or ceiling. Refrain from answering questions like “What is this?” or “Who does this belong to?”
  • Don’t resist arrest. Don’t push back or knock their hands away.
  • Don’t try to be nice. Trying to convince them of your innocence is useless. What you say can and will be used against you.
  • Don’t believe what they tell you. They can lie to you in a number of ways to get you to talk. In fact, they will exert many different forms of psychological pressure on you. Just remain silent and wait to speak with your lawyer.
  • Don’t invite them inside your home. And don’t step outside either. To enter your home, they must have a warrant. Don’t make anything easy for them. Simply say “I’ll just stay right here” or “May I please see your warrant?” If they don’t have a warrant and go away, contact your attorney immediately.
  • Don’t agree to secure your car or go into your home. They can follow you and conduct a warrantless search.