A run in with law enforcement can be a nervy ordeal, and when we’re in a flustered state, we may be prone to making some bad decisions. If you’re not careful, your interaction with police can go from bad to worse if you make some mistakes during the process. In today’s blog, we want to help you avoid these issues by showcasing five of the worst things you can do after being pulled over or arrested by police.
What Not To Do When Talking With Police
Here are five ways people can end up making their criminal matter much worse. Avoid doing any of these actions during the course of your interaction with police.
1. Fleeing – Running from police may seem like a good decision in the moment, but it only typically makes things much worse. Not only will you face additional criminal charges by fleeing, but you can also put yourself or others at risk. You will be held accountable if an officer or civilian is hurt or killed because you fled the scene, so don’t try to run, because you’ll only be making things worse.
2. Becoming Disorderly – You’ve made the decision to stay and interact with the cop. Great! Now, don’t be rude. If you come off as smug, aggressive or disrespectful, the officer is not going to give you the benefit of the doubt. It will also make the interaction more memorable for the officer, and they’ll be more likely to ensure they show up to all your appearances to help make the case against you. Be polite and forgettable.
3. Trying To Talk Your Way Out Of It – You’re not going to be able to talk your way out of a DWI or domestic assault charge, so don’t try to do it. Talking will only provide evidence that can be used against you in court. You may think that you’re not saying anything harmful when you say that you only had two beers, but all the prosecution will see from that conversation is that you admitted to drinking before you got behind the wheel. Provide basic identification information, but do not try to talk your way out of the situation.
4. Admitting Your Guilt – Some people don’t do well under the stress of a police interaction, and they admit to everything in hopes that police or the judge will “go easy on them.” Don’t make their case for you, and don’t overshare your hand. If you end up guilty, you’ll likely be in the same place as if you admitted to the crime, so don’t just throw away any chance at a defense or a plea deal by admitting to the allegations.
5. Not Lawyering Up – Finally, the best thing you can do if you are facing criminal charges is to lawyer up, which is why failing to connect with an attorney after an arrest makes this list. The prosecution will have professional lawyers making their case for the state, and you’ll be outmatched if you try to counter their arguments on your own. Instead, connect with a lawyer, make a solid plan and work towards a favorable outcome. A lawyer will be your best resource after an arrest.
For help with your criminal matter, or to get some personalized advice for your legal issue, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
