Getting handcuffed and hearing the police officer read you your Miranda rights can definitely be a frightening experience. However, if you panic and make irrational decisions, you will only make things worse for yourself. It is very important to remain calm and avoid doing something that may harm your case. Here are five helpful tips for coping with an arrest.

Cooperate With the Police

If you want things to go as smoothly as possible, you must cooperate with the police. Arguing or trying to run away will only make things worse and may even lead to more charges. Even if you are innocent of the crime, you should go quietly. If you listen to the arresting officer, you will have fewer problems to deal with.

Stay Silent

It is in your best interest to stay silent about your case. If you talk to the police about your criminal charges, they can use that against you in court later on. If a police officer asks to speak to you about your case, politely let him know that you can't talk without a criminal attorney by your side. 

Do not Take a Polygraph Test

Even if you are innocent of the crime, you should never take a polygraph test without your lawyer's permission. Although a polygraph test is inadmissible in court, it could still make things tougher on you. For example, if you are really nervous and fail the test, it may make the police probe more about your case.

Hire an Experienced Criminal Attorney

To receive the best possible outcome, you should hire an experienced criminal attorney to handle your case. The criminal lawyer you hire should have experience with cases similar to yours. If you hire a good criminal attorney, you will have a better chance at getting your charges reduced or dropped altogether.

Do not Take the Prosecutor's First Offer

Whether you were charged with a DUI or theft, the prosecutor will likely offer you a deal for a confession. Even if you are guilty of the crime, you should never accept a prosecutor's first offer because it usually isn't good. Give your criminal defense lawyer more time to work out a better deal with the prosecutor. 

Coping with an arrest can take its toll, but it does not have to completely take over your life. If you follow these helpful tips, you can better deal with your criminal charge.

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