I think I am going to be arrested in Florida, what should I do?

Q: I think I am going to be arrested in Florida. What should I do?

A: You should consult with an attorney who practices in the area of criminal defense. There are things an attorney can do for you before you get arrested that can make a huge difference:

1) The attorney can contact the prosecutor and negotiate a release on own recognizance or a reduced bond;

2) The attorney can explain the bond procedures to you including the possibility of you being able to surrender yourself to the jail at a set time and be bonded out before you have to go through first appearance;

3) The attorney can ensure that you are not subjected to an interrogation by the police and can instruct you on what you should do if the police try to ask you questions about your case.

You should never talk to the police about your case without your attorney being present.

Q: What should I do when I am arrested?

A: Always ask for a lawyer to be present at all times. Always refuse to answer questions about your case. The police would not be asking you questions if they did not need your answers to help convict you of a crime.

Do not discuss your case with anyone but your attorney. This includes your spouse, your family, your friends, your fellow inmates. Everything you say on the jail phones including the phones used while talking to your visitors is recorded and reviewed by the police or the State Attorney to see if you make an incriminating statement. DO NOT discuss your case at all. Do not try to use “code.” Do not try to use another inmate’s pin number. These tactics will not work.