Criminal

Bernstein Philip M Attorney
Address: 595 Stewart Avenue
Garden City, New York 11530
Phone: (516) 222-0440
Fax: (516) 222-2971
Email: philaw@optonline.net

WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET ARRESTED

Nobody wants to think  that he or she or any family member could get arrested. This is a frightening experience to all but hardened career criminals. Because of this, many people who are arrested tend to make things worse for themselves by doing or saying things against their best interests. Knowing how to behave will make it possible for your lawyer to give you far more effective service.

Even though you may be upset and disagree with the arresting officer, you must cooperate and obey the directions you are given when taken into custody. Be polite. The prosecutor often seeks input from the police officer so it never makes sense to incur personal animosity by your behavior.  Being polite, however, does not mean being a fountain of all of the information the police would like to know. Answer only those questions about “pedigree” –name, address, and telephone number. Do not give any information about the incident that cause your arrest or the actions you are accused of committing.

SAY NOTHING! GIVE NO STATEMENT! You have a right to have your lawyer with you to advise you at all stages of a criminal proceeding. The most important thing you can do is to state as soon as possible that you want your lawyer present. Then give the police the name and phone number of your attorney.

If you should be called by a family member who has been arrested, tell them not to discuss any details of their arrest with you on the telephone (police tend to tape all calls made from the station house).Ask to speak to the police officer in attendance and get all the necessary information from that person. Tell the officer the name and phone number of you lawyer if you have one. Politely request that the police ask no further questions until contacted by a lawyer. By following these basic rules , you can minimize the damage done by an arrest and give your lawyers the best opportunity to give you the best possible outcome of the case.