What to Do if You Are Arrested in Tennessee

 Posted on May 08, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Getting arrested can be a terrible experience. You might be nervous, confused, afraid, or angry as you are handcuffed and taken away against your will. In such situations of uncertainty, it is understandable to feel that you are losing control over your actions. This stressful situation means you might act out, raise your voice, or resist the arrest without meaning to, and that might make the officers arresting you use force to get the situation under control. This article will offer some tips on how to act during an arrest. If this happens to you, make sure to contact a skilled Knoxville, TN criminal defense attorney who can offer you guidance as you navigate your arrest.

What Not to Do During an Arrest

There are some things that people might do when they get arrested that can make matters much worse for them during the arrest. Try to keep this in mind if you are arrested so you can avoid making mistakes you might regret:

• Do not destroy evidence: If you get caught hiding, tampering with, or destroying any evidence, you can face additional charges.
• Do not evade arrest: Not only would this make you liable for additional penalties, but in the effort to arrest you, police officers might use more force than they otherwise would have, and you might get injured in the process.
• Do not give any statements: You might feel intimidated or want to appear cooperative, but unless you have an attorney with you, make sure you are not speaking with the police or making any statements - written or verbal.

What to Do During an Arrest

• Remain calm and quiet: This might require a big effort on your part, but try as hard as you can to stay calm and quiet. Otherwise, you might do or say something that the police can use against you later on in your case.
• Ask for an attorney: Although the police prefer to question suspects without the presence of someone who might advise them against speaking freely, it is your right to have an attorney present. With knowledge and experience, lawyers can guide you not to incriminate yourself and can fight to protect your rights. This is a very important step to remember, even if the police try to intimidate you or convince you that you do not need one present.
• Cooperate: Unless it goes against your interests, try to be cooperative and follow the police officer’s instructions.
• Remember everything: Many details will be swimming around in your head, but it can help the outcome of your case if you can remember everything about who arrested you, where you were taken and when, how you were treated, who questioned you, and anything else that might be relevant.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are arrested on criminal charges, make sure to have a knowledgeable Knox County, TN criminal defense attorney there to advise you. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we fight hard for our clients’ legal rights, regardless of what they are charged with. Call us at 865-281-1000 to schedule a free consultation.