If the police have arrested you, it is best to remain calm and cooperative. Resisting only makes the situation more difficult and can potentially add charges. Stay quiet and don’t argue about the arrest, save your conversation or confessions for your attorney. How you handle yourself during the arrest process may significantly affect the outcome of your case.
I’ve Been Arrested – Do I Need A Lawyer?
Whether you’ve been arrested for a felony or a misdemeanor, a qualified criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights and navigate the court system. If you cannot afford to hire legal representation, the court may assign a public defender. An attorney will be able to help you understand what your arrest charges are and prepare you for upcoming court appearances. They may even be able to have charges reduced or dismissed on your behalf.
We recommend you hire a legal professional to handle your case, however an attorney is not always needed to bail out of jail. After your hearing, you can use a reputable bail bond agent to get out of jail.
Drinking And Driving Arrest – DUI
If you’re arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), you should still do your best to remain calm and courteous to the officers. Comply with any reasonable demands, such as giving your name and address. Unless you have NOT been drinking at all, you may choose to refuse the roadside breathalyzers and field sobriety tests. There is no perfect advice in this scenario and laws and penalties vary from state to state. However, DUI/DWI charges may carry heavy consequences and having professional legal representation may help.
Being Arrested Doesn’t Mean You Are Guilty
When you’ve been arrested, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re guilty. An arrest simply means the police or someone else thinks you may have committed an illegal act. You technically can only be found guilty once a court officially convicts of you that crime. However, at the time of your arrest, it may be beneficial to your case if you stay quiet and decline confessing, either written or verbally, until you’ve spoken with your attorney.
Can I Get Out Of Jail Before My Court Date?
Yes, once the court sets your bail amount, you can agree to the judge’s conditions, pay the required fees and be released from jail. Some examples of conditions of release can include no drinking or drug use or staying away from specific places or people. Upon your release, you will also be scheduled for a mandatory court date. If you skip that court date or violate a condition, the court will issue a warrant for your arrest.
Getting Out of Jail Without Money
What do you do if you can’t afford to pay for your bail?
Regardless of what you’ve been arrested for, if the court sets bail, you can bond out with the help of a bail bond company. They will require a small, non-refundable fee but will pay the full amount of bail on your behalf, securing your release.
The contract with the bail bond agency is your promise to appear in court. This service is helpful for those who can’t afford to post bail themselves or for someone else who has been arrested.
Just keep in mind, failure to attend any scheduled court date results in an arrest warrant being issued.