Being arrested means you are already in trouble. Don’t make the situation worse! You’re on your own at the moment, so take a deep breath and stay calm.
* Don’t run from the police! You’re risking being injured or shot. At the very least, one more charge will be added and that is the last thing that is needed. Follow instructions from the officer. Running may mean that in the event of the case going to trial, the jury could be read a special instruction called ‘consciousness of guilt’. In short, the jury will be told that only guilty people run.
* Don’t fight with the police. Even a small amount of resistance can be exaggerated into a felony charge. Don’t bump them or try to get away from the handcuffs. It is a major mistake to do so.
* Take full advantage of the right to remain silent. Don’t speak to anyone. Don’t try to convince anyone that you are innocent. The police hear that all day, every day and it means nothing to them. In almost all cases, whatever suspects tell the police only makes the case against them stronger.
* Don’t believe any offers to ‘take it easy’ on you if you make an admission to the police. Only the prosecutor can offer a plea deal and it should be in writing. It is legal for the police to lie in pursuit of an admission. If arrested with another person, expect to be separated and that each person will be encouraged to ‘rat out’ the other one.
* Don’t allow the police to search without your consent. At the same time, don’t attempt to conceal evidence. If asked to consent to a search, state in front of witnesses that you do not consent. Any evidence gathered during an illegal search may be thrown out at a later date.
Gregory R. LaMarca is one of the most experienced and effective Criminal Lawyers in Massapequa NY. He has decades of experience defending the rights of those accused of a crime in New York. He believes in executing a well-thought-out defense strategy and ensuring that no constitutional rights have been violated. In 1992, Mr. LaMarca graduated from Touro College in Huntington with his Juris Doctorate. Prior to that, he received his Bachelors of Science from the State University of New York at Albany. Since 1993, he has been a member of the New York and Connecticut State Bar Associations.
