5 Steps to Take If I’ve Been Arrested in Riverside, CA

Being arrested can be a traumatic experience, which can cloud your judgment when it comes to what to do next. However, your actions post-arrest can have a major impact on the outcome, so it’s vital to think clearly and take a strategic approach to the situation. To help you navigate the process, take a look at these five steps you should take if you’ve been arrested in Riverdale, CA:

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1. Stay Calm

It’s natural to feel panicky and anxious after you’ve been arrested but now isn’t the time to let your emotions get the better of you. Although arrest rates have dropped in California, between 12,000 to 17,000 people are arrested and booked into jail every week. While the situation may feel overwhelming right now, you certainly aren’t alone. Staying calm will stand you in good stead when dealing with the post-arrest process, so try to avoid panicking.

2. Invoke Your Rights

When you’re arrested, you should be read your ‘Miranda Rights’ and given the opportunity to invoke them. Amongst these rights includes the clause that you are allowed to remain silent and talk to an attorney. Sadly, it’s estimated that at least 1 million convictions in the U.S. are compromised because arrestees don’t understand their rights. If you want to avoid this from happening, be sure to listen to your Miranda Rights as they’re read to you and invoke them straight away.

3. Talk to a Lawyer

By invoking your rights, you’re stating that you would like to talk to an attorney and, once you’ve done this, the police can no longer question you until you’ve communicated with a lawyer. People often assume that speaking to the police will get them released more quickly but this is generally a bad idea. An experienced criminal defense lawyer, such as Ambrosio Rodriguez, can assess the evidence against you and provide bespoke advice that will affect the outcome of your arrest. By talking to a lawyer, for example, you could avoid having charges filed against you.

4. Post Bail

If you are not released after your arrest, you may be taken to the local jail and held on bail. Most people are able to secure their freedom by ‘posting bail’, but it’s estimated that at least 500,000 people are forced to remain in jail because they don’t have the funds to post bail. However, you might find a bail bondsman will post bail on your behalf, in return for a fee.

5. Plan Your Defense

Whether you’re freed or remanded in custody, you’ll need to begin planning your defense or deciding how to plead if you’ve been charged with a crime. By getting legal advice, you can find out what your rights are, what the likely outcome is, and what your best course of action is.

Navigating the Criminal Justice System

The criminal justice system can be complicated at any time but, when you’re dealing with the shock of an arrest, it can be particularly difficult to navigate. By working with a criminal defense lawyer, however, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you achieve the best possible outcome following an arrest.