What to Do After a Domestic Violence Arrest in Fort Lauderdale

A domestic violence arrest in Fort Lauderdale can be a particularly shocking experience – especially if you did absolutely nothing wrong. Perhaps your spouse called the police on you, telling the officers lies about an assault that never happened. Perhaps a physical encounter occurred, but it was purely accidental. Whatever the case may be, you may have no idea how to deal with an arrest. Perhaps you are reading this article in the back of a police vehicle. Whatever the case may be, there are a few steps you can take to give yourself the best possible chance of a positive outcome.

Avoid Telling “Your Side of the Story” 

At some point after the arrest, an officer will likely approach you and ask you to describe the incident. This officer may seem very friendly, and they might give you the impression that they’re “on your side.” Understand that this is an age-old tactic among police officers, and in reality, they are attempting to gather incriminating evidence against you. This is why police are required to say “anything you say can and will be used against you” when they place you under arrest.

Although it may seem tempting to tell “your side of the story,” it is almost always better to remain silent. You have absolutely no obligation to speak with police officers after being placed under arrest, and you should avoid commenting on your situation until you have had a chance to speak with a qualified attorney. These defense attorneys can advise you on how to communicate with police officers, and they may steer you away from potentially self-incriminating statements.

Once you have expressed your desire to remain silent, police officers are legally required to respect your rights under the Fifth Amendment. Any attempt to pressure or encourage you into speaking after you invoke this protection is unlawful. Under the Fifth Amendment, no one can interpret your silence as a sign of guilt.

Ask to Speak with Your Attorney 

Before invoking your right to remain silent, you may request to speak with an attorney. You will typically have this opportunity when you arrive at a police station, and you can use their phone to make the call. Inform your attorney of your situation, but avoid going into too much detail. Your main goal in this situation should be to schedule a face-to-face, private meeting where you can speak freely about what happened. After scheduling your consultation, you can continue to remain silent until they arrive.

Find a Qualified Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced domestic violence defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, look no further than Haber Blank. Over the years, we have assisted countless domestic violence defendants – and we know how stressful this situation can be. Rest assured that with our help, you can approach your charges with a measure of confidence and efficiency. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective defense strategy.

Sources: 

mirandarights.org/righttoremainsilent.html

constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-6/