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If
You Are Arrested
If
you are arrested, don't volunteer any information to the arresting officer.
Don't answer questions and don't "try to cooperate." Keep quiet.
Don't believe the police if they tell you that things will go easier for
you "if you cooperate."
Police
officers are trained to get an admission of guilt from you so that it
may be used against you in court. The classic example is the police officer
who pulls a motorist over, walks up to the side of the car and says something
along these lines: "I suppose you know why I pulled you over, don't
you?" or, "Do you know how fast you were going just now?"
Such questions are designed solely to trick you into admitting guilt.
Don't fall for them.
Don't make the officer's job easier. If the officer persists in asking
you questions or tries to intimidate you, tell him "I want to speak
to an attorney." Under the law, the officer's questioning ends when
you request a lawyer. If the officer continues to question you, remain
silent.
If you are arrested, you may spend the night in jail and go before a judge
the next day. The judge may tell you that you must pay to get out of jail
(post a bond). You will be given a court date and will have to show up
in court to answer the criminal charges against you.
Other times,
the officer will allow you to be picked up and driven home by a family
member or friend, and you do not have to spend the night in jail.
One more thing to keep in mind: Everyone makes mistakes in this world.
None of us are perfect. It's not the end of the world if you are arrested
for DUI. You will get through this, and eventually you will be able to
get on with your life.
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