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What to Do If You're Arrested (And How to Avoid Making It Worse)

Writer's picture: Jay IngrumJay Ingrum

Updated: Feb 21

Legal Lens: Viewing Law Through Ingrum Expertise



Getting arrested is stressful, but your actions can make a huge difference in your case. Many people unknowingly turn a misdemeanor into a felony by panicking, resisting, or hiding evidence. Here’s what you need to know:


🚫 What NOT to Do:

Run: Fleeing on foot is a misdemeanor, but fleeing in a vehicle is a felony.

Hide or destroy evidence: That’s considered tampering—another felony.

Sneak evidence into jail: If caught, you’re facing an even more serious charge.

Be aggressive: Assault on a first responder (police, EMS, firefighters) is now a felony—even spitting or shouting threats can count.


✅ What TO Do:

✔️ Stay calm & cooperate – but don’t confess to anything.

✔️ Refuse a search – while officers may search you anyway, denying consent ensures they follow the law.

✔️ Be respectful to the magistrate – they determine your bond, and being cooperative can help lower it.

✔️ Call an attorney immediately – and bring any relevant documents (license, insurance, repair receipts) to help your case.


Final Thoughts

Your case won’t be won on the side of the road—leave the legal arguments to your attorney. If you find yourself in legal trouble, stay calm, cooperate wisely, and seek legal counsel as soon as possible.


👉 Need legal help? Contact us today!


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