In the first few moments after getting arrested, your mind is probably racing. You might be asking yourself, “What just happened? What should I do now? Who should I call?” It’s absolutely normal to feel overwhelmed by emotions, but how you respond after an arrest can affect your case. At Carey Law Office, we’ve seen it all – the good, the bad, and the mistakes that can turn a difficult situation into a disaster. To protect your rights, freedom, and future, avoid these mistakes after an arrest in Maryland.

1. Talking too much

Talking too much is one of the biggest mistakes people make after getting arrested. We understand that you want to explain yourself or clear up any misunderstandings, but this can do more harm than good. Here’s why. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. The police are trained to ask questions that may seem innocent but are designed to get you to incriminate yourself.

Politely but firmly, tell the officer, “I am invoking my right to remain silent, and I would like to speak to an attorney.” Then? Stop talking. Even the smallest detail can be twisted and used against you later.

2. Resisting arrest

When emotions are running high, you might become angry or frustrated with the police. Some people try to resist arrest or argue with the officers. This is a big mistake. Resisting arrest can lead to additional charges, like resisting or obstructing a law enforcement officer or even assault on an officer. Physical resistance can escalate the situation and increase the likelihood of force being used against you.

Stay calm and comply with the officer’s instructions, even if you believe the arrest is unjustified. You can fight the arrest later in court with the help of your Maryland criminal defense attorney – not on the street. Plus, the calmer you remain, the better you’ll look in front of a judge or jury.

3. Not asking for an attorney immediately

After being arrested, many people think they can handle the situation alone or wait to get a lawyer. This is a big mistake. Without an attorney, you may not fully understand your rights or even the details of the charges against you. Also, police may take advantage of your lack of legal knowledge and pressure you into making statements or decisions that could harm your case.

As soon as possible after getting arrested, say, “I want to speak to an attorney,” and don’t answer any questions until your lawyer is present. Make a point to learn and understand your Miranda rights and assert them.

4. Agreeing to a search without a warrant

During or after the arrest, police may ask to search your home, car, or belongings. You might feel like you have no choice but to agree – but you do have a choice. Police need a warrant or probable cause to conduct most searches, and you can refuse if they don’t have one.

Politely say, “I don’t consent to a search.” If they search anyway, don’t resist, but clarify that you did not give permission. If the search was unlawful, our attorneys may be able to get any found evidence excluded from your case.

5. Posting about the arrest on social media

After an arrest, posting on social media is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Anything you post can be used as evidence against you in court. Even seemingly harmless posts might be interpreted in ways that hurt your defense.

Remember, social media is public, and prosecutors may be watching. Stay off social media until your case is resolved. Ask friends and family not to post about your situation either.

6. Missing court dates

After your arrest, you’ll be given a date to appear in court. Missing this date is a serious mistake that can land you in even more legal trouble. For instance, if you miss your court date, you might face a bench warrant for your arrest, and it can also make you look unreliable or disrespectful in the eyes of the court.

Remember to mark your court date on your calendar and set reminders. If you have a legitimate conflict, contact your attorney immediately to request a reschedule. And remember, showing up on time and dressed appropriately can make a good impression on the judge and jury.

7. Talking about the case with friends or family

You might be tempted to vent to family or friends about what happened, but this can easily backfire. Friends or family members may be called to testify about what you said, or they may accidentally share details with others – spreading information that could harm your case.

Only discuss your case with your attorney, and keep conversations with others limited to general topics, not any specifics about your arrest or defense.

8. Failing to document everything

Details of an incident can fade from your mind quickly, especially in a stressful situation. Not documenting the events surrounding your arrest can hurt your defense later. Memories may become unclear, and important details can be forgotten. Plus, without documentation, it’s harder for your attorney to build a strong defense.

As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the arrest. What happened before, during, and after? What did the police say and do? Were there witnesses? Don’t forget to keep this information private and share it only with your attorney.

9. Assuming your charges aren’t serious

Sometimes, people assume that minor charges, like a misdemeanor, aren’t a big deal. This is a mistake that can have long-term consequences. Remember, even minor convictions can result in fines, jail, and a permanent criminal record. A criminal record can also affect your job, housing, and educational opportunities.

You must take the charges seriously, no matter how minor they may seem. Your experienced criminal defense attorney can work to fight the charges or minimize their effect on your life.

10. Not carefully considering a plea deal

In some cases, the prosecution may offer a plea deal. At the same time, it might seem like an easy way out, but accepting without fully understanding the consequences can be a major mistake. Pleading guilty can result in a criminal record and other penalties, and some plea deals may not be in your best interest, even if they seem like a good option at first.

Discuss any plea deal with your Maryland criminal defense attorney before accepting. It’s important to make sure you fully understand the consequences of a plea deal and explore your other options first.

If you’ve been arrested in Maryland, don’t face the legal system alone. The decisions you make now can have a lasting impact on your life, and having an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side can make all the difference. At Carey Law Office, we understand how overwhelming this time can be, and we’re here to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Call or fill out our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation today.