I’ve been arrested! What’s my next move?

Being arrested can be stressful and confusing. Our job as criminal defense lawyers is to help you in knowing how and when to fight back after you’re arrested in Georgia.

An arrest is the first part in a long and sometimes confusing series of events. Certified officers in the State of Georgia may place a person under arrest in the following circumstances:

  • they have witnessed the suspect commit a crime
  • they are executing a warrant issued by a magistrate
  • they believe that they have probable cause that a crime has been committed

Protect your rights during an arrest in Georgia

When you’re arrested in Georgia, officers will notify you that you have the right to remain silent and anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Nowadays, police will almost always record audio and video footage during an arrest. This means that law enforcement will likely record what you do or say, in order to archive this in an investigative report. All persons in the State of Georgia have the right to remain silent upon arrest. Your silence in any portion of the criminal process cannot be used against you – but any lawfully obtained statements can be used against you.

It is not likely that you will talk your way out of handcuffs, but it is possible to talk your way into a conviction. Assert your right to remain silent and request a criminal defense lawyer. These are your rights in the State of Georgia if you’re accused of a crime. Do not let anyone pressure you into giving up your rights.

What to expect in custody

After an arrest, authorities will bring the suspect from the site of arrest to the local police department or sheriff’s office, depending on the severity of the crime. What follows is commonly referred to as the “booking process.” During the booking process, officers will fingerprint and search a person for contraband. Contraband is any illicit or illegal thing that a person cannot lawfully possess, like drugs. In addition to seizing any located contraband, officers may photograph the alleged contraband. Also, officers will take multiple photographs of you.

Get the help you need

If you have been arrested in Georgia, you will need a criminal defense lawyer to guide you through the criminal process. A competent attorney will help you understand your Constitutional rights and the best strategies to protect yourself against conviction. That’s where we come in. After decades on the Downtown square, nobody knows Newnan like we do. We have a long history of helping clients. We want to continue this proud tradition with your case. Since your chances at success are critical at this time, it is important that you contact us as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know is arrested and needs a criminal defense lawyer, call our office  at 770-253-3282 and set up a consultation. Your rights are our priority.  

Read more about what to bring to your consultation with your criminal attorney.