Should I Speak to a Police Officer After Being Arrested?

Getting arrested in Utah, even if you are innocent, can happen for various reasons. In many instances, people are simply in the wrong place, at the wrong time. However, there is nothing to be scared of. 

You will require assistance getting out of jail though. Speaking with a police officer after being arrested is the last thing you want to do, as everything that you say can and will be used against you. Here is what you should do if you are arrested (wrongfully or not) in Utah.

Calm Down

Though getting arrested is a frightening experience, it is important to calm down and don’t resist the arrest. Even if you are innocent, resisting the arrest or fighting with the officer, verbally or physically, is not a good idea. 

It can add to your charges, regardless of how innocent you are. The best way to proceed is to fight your charges in court with the help of a defense attorney. Be polite and courteous with the officer, you will have your say when your attorney comes in.

Do Not Explain Your Actions

When you are arrested, don’t forget about your Miranda rights, and try to remember if the police officer recited them to you. You can use this later in your case. Your Miranda rights give you the right to remain silent.

This might be hard to do, especially if you are innocent. You may want to explain this to the officer in the hopes of getting away. However, this is the last thing you want to do. What you say can be used against you, or may add to other convictions in court.

The only thing that you should say to the officers is that you want to speak with a lawyer. Basic information, such as identity information, which is your name and birthdate, can be given to the authorities without any worry. If you don’t do this you may be charged with a class B misdemeanor according to Utah law.

Don’t Speak With Inmates, Family, or Friends

We all want comfort in stressful situations and to have someone hear us out. However, talking about your case with other inmates can be used against you because they will use this information to try and get a better deal with authorities.

You can contact friends and family, but you should assume that your conversation is recorded. You can speak freely only with your lawyer, and you can do so on the phone as well since speaking with your lawyer is confidential and can’t be recorded.

Don’t Sign Statements

Authorities may ask you to sign statements following your arrest so that you can write what happened. Whatever you do, don’t write anything until your lawyer is present because what you write can also be used against you.

Speak With a Defense Lawyer

Remember that you have the right to be legally represented. No matter what police officers say, tell them you want a lawyer. Do not cower in the face of potential charges, or other threats. Having a lawyer is your constitutional right, and nobody can take that away from you.

Even if the police officers are friendly, they may try various tactics to make you talk. However, you must insist on having a lawyer by your side before making any.