What you do while under arrest matters, to your defense, to your prosecution and your future. Many people do not realize that police search for any hint of potential evidence to use against suspects and behave in innocent ways that hurt them in the long run.
If you find yourself arrested, there are certain things you need to avoid.
Talking
You have the constitutional right to refuse to answer questions. Anything and everything you say may become proof of your guilt regardless of your actual innocence or culpability. Give the police nothing. Do not argue your innocence. Do not confess to anything, unrelated or related to the crime you find yourself accused of. The officers may try to force you to speak with tactics such as lying. Do not react to these methods as they are standard procedures. Avoid making derogatory comments or taunts.
Consenting to a search
Police may pat you down on suspicion of carrying a weapon. However, you do have the right to refuse a search of yourself and your possessions. While your refusal may not stop the search from occurring, the simple fact that you made it may help later on.
Panic
Remain calm. Police officers may note anxiety and nervous actions such as looking around or fidgeting as evidence of guilt even when they are not. They may see them as a sign that intensifying the pressure on you may produce the results they want. Do not behave hastily out of fear. Wait for your legal counsel, keep your rights in mind and exercise them.
When you are under arrest, every movement and word from your mouth is under observation. Carefully considering each action and avoiding certain ones may aid your case in the future.
