What to Do If Arrested and Interrogated
Being arrested by federal agents is a serious situation that requires careful handling. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do if you find yourself in this position:
1. Remain Calm and Composed
- Stay Calm: It’s crucial to remain as calm and composed as possible. Take deep breaths and try to keep your emotions in check.
- Be Polite and Cooperative: Be respectful to the federal agents. Avoid any form of resistance or confrontational behavior.
2. Know Your Rights
- Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. Under the Fifth Amendment, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.
- Right to an Attorney: You have the right to speak to an attorney and to have an attorney present during any questioning. This is protected under the Sixth Amendment.
3. Clearly Assert Your Rights
- Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent: Clearly state, “I am invoking my right to remain silent.” Do not engage in any conversation beyond this point.
- Request an Attorney: Clearly state, “I want to speak to an attorney.” Continue to assert this right if the agents keep questioning you.
4. Do Not Answer Questions
- Stay Silent: Do not answer any questions or provide any information beyond basic identification details (name, address, date of birth).
- Avoid Volunteering Information: Refrain from explaining or justifying your actions as this can be used against you.
5. Do Not Sign Any Documents
- No Signatures: Do not sign any documents without your attorney’s advice. This includes waivers of your rights or any written statements.
6. Do Not Consent to Searches
- No Consent: Clearly state, “I do not consent to any searches.” This applies to your person, belongings, home, or vehicle.
7. Make Mental Notes
- Record Details: Try to remember details about the arrest, including the agents’ names and badge numbers, the location and time of the arrest, and any statements made by the agents.
8. Contact an Attorney
- Legal Representation: Insist on contacting your attorney immediately. If you do not have one, request that an attorney be provided to you.
- Wait for Your Attorney: Do not engage in any discussions with the agents until your attorney is present.
Example Scenario
If you are arrested by federal agents, the scenario might unfold as follows:
- Arrest and Miranda Rights: Federal agents arrest you and read your Miranda rights. You calmly state, “I understand my rights. I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want to speak to an attorney.”
- Interrogation Room: You are taken to an interrogation room. The agents attempt to question you. You repeatedly state, “I am invoking my right to remain silent and I want to speak to an attorney.”
- Signing Documents: Agents present you with documents to sign. You respond, “I will not sign anything without my attorney present.”
- Search Requests: If agents request to search your belongings or home, you clearly state, “I do not consent to any searches.”
Summary
If Arrested by Federal Agents:
- Stay Calm and Polite: Keep your emotions in check and be respectful to the agents.
- Know and Assert Your Rights:
- State, “I am invoking my right to remain silent.”
- Request an attorney by saying, “I want to speak to an attorney.”
- Do Not Answer Questions: Exercise your right to silence and do not engage in any conversation beyond asserting your rights.
- Do Not Sign Documents: Refuse to sign anything without your attorney’s advice.
- Do Not Consent to Searches: Clearly state that you do not consent to any searches.
- Make Mental Notes: Remember important details about the arrest and interrogation.
- Contact an Attorney: Insist on having your attorney present before engaging in any discussions.
By following these steps, you can protect your rights and ensure that you do not inadvertently harm your case. Having an attorney present is crucial for navigating the complexities of federal legal proceedings and ensuring that your rights are fully protected.