Mistakes to Avoid When Arrested in Tampa

If you are arrested in Tampa, you could find several challenges that could have a long-term impact on your case. With the right information, however, you can easily navigate the legal road and confidently challenge the charges against you. Here are the top 7 mistakes people make after getting arrested in Tampa.

Top 7 Mistakes People Make After Getting Arrested in Tampa

Over the past five years, there have been 4,079,030 arrests in Florida alone. Getting arrested can be an overwhelming experience, so here are seven things you should avoid doing if you find yourself in this kind of predicament:

• Resisting arrest or acting aggressively. Challenging arresting officers, arguing, and/or causing any kind of scene will only land you in more trouble and is likely to be added to the charges you are already being arrested for. Instead, it is smart to cooperate with the police and contact your attorney as soon as you are able.
• Talking to the police without your attorney. Waiving your right to remain silent may feel instinctual, but it is never a good idea, even for those innocent of the crime they have been accused of. Instead, wait for your attorney to arrive, as they can help protect you and your rights.
• Discussing your case on recorded jail lines. While you may be tempted to talk about your case during calls made from jail, this is never wise, as these lines are recorded and can be used as evidence in the case against you. If you feel the need to share private information with someone outside of jail, do so through an in-person conversation with your lawyer.
• Posting about your arrest on social media. In this modern digital age, it is common for people to post about all kinds of things. Being arrested is an example of something you should never share on social media.
• Contacting any alleged victims or their families. You may feel tempted to reach out to your alleged victim to share your side of the story, explain your reasoning, or apologize, but this is another mistake you want to avoid making. You should keep yourself from interacting with alleged victims, as well as their families, until a ruling in your case has been finalized.
• Putting off hiring a criminal defense lawyer. Even if you feel as though you can handle your case alone or cannot afford a decent lawyer, you should never delay hiring a criminal defense attorney. Instead, do so as soon as possible, as it can have a long-term and beneficial impact on your overall case.
• Ignoring and/or violating any bond conditions. Failing to comply with any conditions of bond upon your release, like drinking alcohol while out on bond or not appearing at your hearings, is a surefire way to cause future issues for yourself and your case. Instead, do everything you can to uphold the conditions of your bond.

Choose to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

The first thing you should do after your arrest is to inform the arresting officer of your right to remain silent and to wait for legal representation. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you help to protect yourself throughout the legal process. This protection can help you avoid costly mistakes that could have significant impacts on your case.

Get the Guidance You Need

If you are arrested in Tampa, get the help that you deserve. With over a decade of experience, the team at Paul Figueroa Law is ready to put our knowledge and experience to work for you. Contact our team today and get the help that you deserve.