If you have just been arrested in Tacoma, stay calm, don’t resist, exercise your right to remain silent, and ask for an attorney before answering any questions. These first steps are critical to protecting yourself and your future. The actions you take in the moments and hours following an arrest can significantly shape how your case unfolds.
Contact our Tacoma criminal defense lawyer to discuss your legal options. Schedule your free consultation today.
Stay Calm and Don’t Resist the Arrest
This is easier said than done, but it matters. Even if you believe the arrest is unjust or based on a misunderstanding, fighting back will only make things worse. Physical resistance can lead to additional charges like resisting arrest or assault on an officer—charges that can complicate your case and potentially result in harsher consequences. Take deep breaths, keep your hands visible, and comply with the officer’s instructions.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
You have the constitutional right to remain silent, and you should use it. Anything you say—even casual comments that seem harmless—can be used against you in court. Politely but firmly state that you are exercising your right to remain silent, and then do exactly that.
Ask for an Attorney Before Answering Questions
Before you answer any questions from law enforcement, ask for a lawyer. This act is not an admission of guilt; it is a smart decision that protects your rights. Once you request an attorney, the officers’ questioning should stop until your lawyer is present. Do not let pressure or promises from investigators convince you to talk without legal representation by your side.
Contact a Trusted Person as Soon as You’re Allowed
Once you are permitted to make a phone call, reach out to someone you trust: a family member, close friend, or your attorney. Let them know where you are and what is happening so they can begin coordinating support on your behalf. This may involve arranging bail, contacting a defense lawyer in Tacoma, or simply being there to provide support when you need it.
Document Everything You Can Remember
As soon as you have the opportunity, write down everything you remember about the arrest while it is still fresh in your mind. Note the time and location, the names or badge numbers of the officers involved, what was said, who witnessed the arrest, and any details about how you were treated. This information can be invaluable to your Tacoma criminal defense attorney as they begin building your defense.
Avoid Discussing Your Case with Anyone but Your Lawyer
It might feel natural to vent to a cellmate or explain your situation to friends and family in detail, but resist that urge. Conversations with other inmates are not protected, and even well-meaning loved ones can unintentionally share information that hurts your case. Keep the details between you and your attorney.
Were You Arrested in Tacoma? Contact an Attorney
Everything feels urgent after an arrest, but the decisions you make in those first hours and days can have a major impact on your future. A Washington criminal defense attorney can step in early to protect your rights, advise you on what to disclose and what to keep private, and begin building a defense strategy. If you or someone you love has just been arrested in Tacoma, schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney today.