What to Do When You are Arrested in Wyoming

What to Do When You Get Arrested

Knowing what to do when someone gets arrested in Wyoming is as important as knowing what not to do. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you get charged. You should:

• Be respectful with the police;
• Remain as calm as possible;
• Ask what your charges are;
• Ask about your bail status;
• Ask for your phone call; and
• Ask for your lawyer immediately.

Be aware that police stations and sheriff’s offices have surveillance cameras everywhere. They might record your calls or have the booking officer listen. Do not say anything about your case over the phone. You could tell the person you called where you are, let them know your bail status, and ask them to call a Wyoming criminal defense lawyer.

Understand that the arrest and booking process might not be pleasant. Let the officers do their job, even if you believe that they treated you unfairly. An arrest starts the judicial process, and you will have an opportunity to plead your case to a judge later.

What Not to Do If You Are Under Arrest

Law enforcement officers are human. We know they make mistakes. You should realize that most law enforcement officers just want to go home at the end of their shift. We recognize that some officers, being human, are also bad cops. Let us do our job protecting you and your future.

Based on our experience, we know that you should avoid:

• Fighting with the police;
• Resisting arrest;
• Acting disrespectfully;
• Trying to escape or destroy property; or
• Making threats.

You compound your legal problems when you do any of these things. Rest assured that we know how to develop a defense strategy even if you were not a model prisoner.

Do Not Talk to the Police

We advise you not to talk with the police. You have a right to speak to investigators if you want. However, you should know that the police are not on your side if you decide to talk with them.

The law allows the prosecution to share your statements with the judge or jury at your trial. Therefore, talking with the police could mean that the State will use your words against you.

THE MIRANDA WARNINGS

The police must give you the Miranda warnings before they start interrogating you after your arrest. These warnings apply only when you are in custody and the police ask you non-booking questions. The Miranda statement given by police should warn you that:

• You have the right to remain silent;
• You have the right to talk to a lawyer before answering questions;
• Anything you say can be used against you; and
• You have the right to an attorney free of charge if you cannot afford one.

Smart investigators might resort to trickery to get you to talk. Investigators are known for trying to engage in casual conversation, invite you to tell your side of the story, or use other subtle tricks to get you talking. They also know how to keep you talking once you start. Also, police officers cannot and must not give legal advice. Don’t ask.

Resist the temptation to talk, and immediately ask for your lawyer if the police try to talk with you. You can’t talk your way out of an arrest, and the court cannot hold your silence against you.

The law is on your side. We will file motions designed to throw your statements out of evidence if you speak with the police. However, you should assume that the police and prosecutors will try to use as much evidence against you as they can.

Refusing Consent to Search

You have a right to refuse consent to search your property. The police cannot search items like your home or cell phone without your permission unless they have a search warrant. Do not help the police convict you by giving them your consent to search your private property.

You always have the right to refuse to consent. Refusing consent, like remaining silent, cannot be used against you in court.

Call a Wyoming Criminal Defense Lawyer with a Track Record of Results

Jeremy Hugus and his team with Cowboy Country Law believe you are more than your charges indicate. Jeremy is a top-rated criminal defense lawyer whose mission is to ensure that you receive the best defense possible. Call Jeremy and our team with Cowboy Country Law today at 307-333-7884 to talk with us about your Wyoming criminal case. Knowing what to do when someone gets arrested in Wyoming is hard. Call us for help.