Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or did something you should not have done, facing the consequences of alleged criminal activity can be scary. These days, the reputation and trustworthiness of law enforcement have suffered due to their misconduct, so you may fear what will happen to you upon arrest.
The best thing to do is prepare now in case you ever find yourself in that situation. Follow these steps if a Texas officer arrests you:
Cooperate with the police
The worst thing to do is run away from police who are trying to arrest you. This reaction will only bring more charges against you, making it harder to defend your case. An arrest does not automatically lead to a conviction, but evasion usually does, so it is in your best interest to cooperate, even if the treatment you receive is unprofessional.
Keep your mouth shut
With that said, cooperation does not mean you have to answer every question an officer asks you, just ones about personal information (name, address). Remember, you have the right to remain silent, so use that right to avoid incriminating yourself. Request to speak to an attorney first, and always have your attorney present when talking to the police throughout your entire case.
Call an attorney
Once you have voiced your desire to speak to legal counsel, go through with it. Call a qualified criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the justice system so you can get the fairest outcome possible. You may believe that legal representation is not necessary because you are innocent, but the law is a complex and unpredictable field. Making a mistake can lead to severe, lifelong consequences.
In addition, follow the advice of your attorney. He or she is experienced in the law and knows how to protect your rights. While your attorney cannot force you to do anything, you should take warnings and recommendations seriously.
