Many people assume that they won’t every have to worry about being arrested if they never break the law. You may find yourself in a difficult situation, however, that you could not have predicted. If you are arrested, it’s important to know the right steps to take.
Know Your Rights
The arresting officer is required to inform you of your rights when you are taken into custody. While it it advisable that you cooperate with officers by allowing them to take you in, you don’t have to answer any questions unless you have legal representation present. You should also be allowed to contact someone to let them know what has happened or to arrange for release or legal services.
Get Out of Jail
Unless you want to stay in jail until your trial, you will need to arrange to pay bail. Bail is the money that you pay to be released from jail after your arrest. Bail bonds Scranton PA, offer services to people who have been jailed to secure their release if you cannot afford bail on your own or cannot borrow the money from friends or family members. These services are also useful if you simply want quicker access to the funds you need to make bail.
Hire an Attorney
In most cases, it is inadvisable to represent yourself in court. You will need to decide if you want to go with the public defender or hire a private attorney. A lawyer helps you navigate the legal system and uses their knowledge of law and procedures to advocate on your behalf.
You may not think that getting arrested is something that can ever happen to you. It’s important to know what to do in case it does happen, though. Understanding your rights and knowing how to get the help you need can make this unexpected situation go more smoothly.