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Being arrested is a stressful and confusing experience. However, after an arrest in Denver, staying calm and taking initial steps to protect your rights is essential. Our Denver criminal defense lawyer is here to provide you with a list of ten steps you need to take to ensure your rights are protected.
Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to remain silent. This means you don’t have to answer any questions the police ask besides your name and address. It is best to politely state, “I would like to remain silent and speak with an attorney.” Repeat this if necessary.
Do not answer questions hoping to explain yourself. Even innocent remarks can be misinterpreted and used against you in court. Remember to stay calm and respectful during interactions with law enforcement, as cooperation can work in your favor.
This is the most important step to take. You have the right to a Denver criminal defense lawyer from your arrest. Do not wait until you are booked or in jail. The state will appoint a public defender if you cannot afford an attorney. Politely tell the officer, “I want to speak with an attorney.”
Resisting arrest is a separate crime and will only worsen the situation. Even if you believe the arrest is unlawful, comply with the officer’s instructions. You can challenge the arrest later with your criminal attorney in Colorado.
While you remain silent, be observant. Note the time, location, officers’ names, and badge numbers. If there are any witnesses, try to identify them. However, do not interfere with an ongoing investigation. This information can be crucial for your attorney when building your defense.
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Generally, the police need a warrant to search you or your belongings. If an officer asks permission to search, politely decline by saying, “I do not consent to any searches.” You can refuse consent unless they have a valid search warrant or probable cause. Politely assert your right to refuse searches and avoid providing information that could incriminate you.
After the arrest, you will be taken to the police station for booking. This involves fingerprinting, photographing, and taking your personal information. Cooperate with these procedures, but don’t answer any additional questions beyond what’s required.
Depending on the charges, a judge may set a bond – a financial guarantee to ensure your appearance in court. If you cannot afford the full bond, a bail bondsman can help, but their services come with fees. Discuss bond options with your attorney.
Once you have spoken with your attorney, you may contact family members or trusted friends to inform them of your situation. However, avoid discussing the details of your case over the phone or in any communication that may be monitored. Your conversations with loved ones could be evidence against you, so exercise caution.
Once you have spoken with your lawyer, you can inform family or friends about your situation. Following your lawyer’s guidance, they can help gather information or arrange your bond.
Avoid posting about the arrest on social media even if you feel frustrated or angry. Anything you post on social media can be accessed and used against you in court. Refrain from discussing your arrest or sharing any information related to your case on social media platforms. Even seemingly innocuous comments or posts can be misconstrued and negatively impact your defense strategy.
As soon as possible, start gathering evidence that may support your defense. This could include witness statements, surveillance footage, receipts, or other documentation relevant to your case. Work closely with your attorney to identify potential defense strategies and gather evidence to challenge the prosecution’s allegations.
The Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani is one of the state’s top Denver criminal defense teams, and it has over a decade of experience representing clients in Colorado. With his deep knowledge of Colorado’s criminal laws and aggressive approach to defense, Steven J. Pisani has helped numerous clients achieve favorable outcomes for their cases.
You deserve the best representation possible during this challenging time, and Steven J. Pisani will fight for you at every step of the legal process. Schedule a consultation with our criminal attorney in Colorado today and give yourself the best chance at achieving justice.
