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Police woman arrest offender view on handcuffs

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 search you. This may happen after you are handcuffed, at the police station, or both. All evidence or contraband will be seized.

During booking, your fingerprints will be taken and you will provide a mugshot.

You will be given a phone call. It is unlikely the police will allow you to use your personal cell phone. You may want to memorize the numbers of important people you’d like to call.

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.

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