Know Your Rights | What To Do If Arrested or Taken to Police Station

Take advantage of your right to remain silent and your right to talk to a lawyer BEFORE you talk to police. Tell the police NOTHING except your name and address. Do not give any explanations, excuses or stories. You can make your defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best.
If you have a lawyer, ask to see your lawyer immediately. If you can not afford a lawyer, you have the right to a free one once your case goes to court. You can ask the police how a lawyer can be contacted. Do not say anything without a lawyer.
Within a reasonable time after your arrest or booking, you should ask the police to contact a family member or friend. If you are permitted to make a phone call, be very careful, and never talk about the facts of the case over the telephone. Anything you say at the precinct may be recorded or listened to.
You must be taken before the judge within 24 hours after arrest. Sometimes you can be released without bail or have bail lowered.