Getting arrested is typically something most people don’t plan on happening.  However if it does happen to you, there are some things to keep in mind that may help you deal with the situation.

First off resisting arrest regardless of cause or reason for the arrest may lead to more serious charges and less likely the officer will provide further information on the reasons for the arrest.  Try to remain calm and listen to the officers instructions while trying to gather as much information from the officer as to the reason and cause for the arrest.  Perhaps the only legitimate reason to resist an arrest is if the person making the arrest does not appear to be a police officer providing proper identification which leads you to suspect the person is impersonating an officer.  Make sure to get the name and badge number of the officer making the arrest for that reason.

If ultimately the reasons for your arrest are not justified as determined by a judge or court of law, the actions and information provided by the officer at the time of the arrest may be the basis upon which you can file charges against the officer and/ or police department for false or unlawful arrest.  This happens more often in the case of an arrest by a private security guard where there is insufficient evidence or just cause to physically detain someone, such as in the case of shoplifting.

You have the right to remain silent if you are arrested because what you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney present if the officer decides to ask you any questions or conduct an investigation.  The only person you should talk to or give information to is a lawyer. At that time the lawyer will look over information and protect you in any way needed as well as help get you released from custody. Make sure that you have a lawyer in mind that you can contact in case this happens to you or a loved one.

After you are arrested they will get your finger prints and then book you. They will take your pictures and then put you in a holding cell. If you have done nothing wrong, they will release you within 24 hours depending on the situation. If they arrested you for a specific reason, you will be transported to the jail, and then the next business day you will see a judge. At this point you can be held in jail for a few months before a hearing and at that time is when you can post bail to be released until the court date.  Contact a Bail Bond agent to help you sort through the process and get out of jail.