What To Do After an Arrest in Michigan

You were just arrested. You’re wondering what comes next. First thing’s first. It’s going to be okay. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the whirlwind of emotions you might be feeling. It’s important to know that what you are feeling is normal. Scheduling a consultation with us can help alleviate your worries. We’re happy to talk through what happened. Being interrogated by a police officer can be frightening—especially if this is your first time. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the situation, your constitutional rights might have even been violated. It’s our job to make sure everything is okay. We’ll work with you to make sure you haven’t been violated after an arrest in Marquette.

What Is An Arrest, And Should I Hire a Marquette Lawyer After One?

Once a police officer puts you into custody, you have been arrested. Custody means you are not free to leave. If you ask the officer, “Am I free to leave?” and the answer is “No,” then you are in custody.

The police can arrest you in Marquette if one of the following happens:

• The police officer saw you committing a crime.
• The officer believes there is probable cause you committed a felony.
• A judge issued a warrant for your arrest.

Once you are placed in custody, the police must inform you of your Miranda rights.

This means you have the right to remain silent. You have the right to an attorney. If you waive these rights, they can use what you say against you.

Do Not Talk To The Police

Despite what you may have been told, the police are not your friend. We have been conditioned to believe that the police are here to help. That may be true in some cases, but when you’ve been pulled over, an officer is shining a flashlight in your face, and asking accusatory questions, the relationship changes.

Your new best friend is silence.

It is tempting to tell the police your side of the story, explain yourself, or even apologize (admit guilt.)

Do not do any of those things. Even remaining silent might not be enough. It’s important that you assert your right against self-incrimination.

Say: “I wish to invoke my right to remain silent. I wish to consult with an attorney.”

And that’s it. You have already greatly helped your case.

What Happens Immediately After An Arrest?

Once you are taken into custody, the police will conduct a thorough search of your person. This may occur at the time of arrest, typically after you have been handcuffed, or it may take place later at the police station. In some cases, both searches will occur. Any evidence or contraband found during these searches will be seized by the authorities and cataloged for use in your case. The experience of being searched can feel invasive, adding to the already intense emotions you’re likely dealing with, but it is a standard procedure that happens during an arrest.

After the search, you will be processed through what is called “booking.” This step is an official recording of your arrest. The booking process includes taking your fingerprints and a mugshot, which will become part of your official record. Although it can feel dehumanizing, it is an essential step of the legal process. You may be asked to provide personal information, such as your name, address, and other details, though it’s important to remember that beyond basic identifying information, you are not obligated to answer other questions without legal counsel present.

At this stage, you will be granted the opportunity to make a phone call. It is important to note that you likely won’t have access to your personal cell phone during this time. Instead, you’ll be provided a phone by the authorities. Because of this, it’s a good idea to memorize the phone numbers of key contacts, such as a family member, close friend, or—most importantly—your attorney.

During this initial period of uncertainty, it’s crucial to keep calm and remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone. Being arrested can be overwhelming, but the actions you take in the hours following your arrest can make a significant difference in your case. Staying silent and reaching out to an experienced Marquette attorney will help ensure that your rights are protected from the moment the police take you into custody. Your attorney can guide you through what happens next, offering support and advice as you face the legal process ahead.

We understand that this situation can feel daunting, but remember—you don’t have to face it alone.

Click here to see more of what happens after an arrest.

Contact a Marquette Attorney After An Arrest

Our team at Berger Law understands the overwhelming emotions you’re feeling. Being arrested in Marquette is a traumatic experience. We are here to talk—always. What sets us apart from other firms is that we want to work with you on a more personal level. You aren’t just another client to us. Your problems are our problems. We’ll do our best to make you feel comfortable, secure, and confident about your case moving forward.