- “I want a lawyer.”
- “I will not answer questions without counsel.”
- The date, time, and location of the arrest
Being arrested is stressful, disorienting, and often confusing. In the moment, the most important thing is to stay as calm as you can and protect your rights without trying to argue your way out of the situation.
The steps below can help you understand what to do from the first contact with police through the next hours and days.
→ Ask a Lawyer — On-Call Legal Consultation — free, takes about 60 seconds.
1. Stay calm and do not physically resist
If an officer tells you that you are under arrest, do not run, push, or struggle. Even if you believe the arrest is unfair, resisting can create additional legal problems and can make the situation more dangerous.
Keep your hands visible, move slowly, and follow reasonable safety instructions.
” If the answer is that you are under arrest, do not keep debating the decision on the street or at the scene. Save your words for a lawyer or a court proceeding.
2. Use your right to remain silent
One of the most important protections you have is the right to avoid answering questions that could be used against you. Police may ask what happened, where you were, who was with you, or whether you have been drinking or using anything.
We go deeper on this in our legal help guide — worth a read before you decide anything.
You generally do not have to explain yourself on the spot.
That simple statement is often enough. After that, keep responses brief and do not try to fill silence with extra details. Even casual conversation can be misunderstood or later repeated in ways that hurt your case.
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You can still provide identifying information, but you do not have to discuss the incident.
3. Ask for a lawyer clearly and early
If questioning continues, ask for an attorney as soon as possible. Be direct:
- “I want a lawyer.”
- “I will not answer questions without counsel.”
Once you request a lawyer, officers should stop substantive questioning. Do not assume that continuing to talk will help clear up the matter. A lawyer can help you understand the charges, protect you from self-incrimination, and guide you on what to do next.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about your right to a court-appointed attorney. The process varies by location, but you should not guess at your options while under pressure.
Sources & further reading
- USA.gov — Legal Help & Rights
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Courts — How Courts Work
- Social Security Administration — Disability
This article is for general information only and is not professional financial, legal, or medical advice.
Karen Alvarez — Legal Affairs Editor
Karen writes about consumer legal rights, injury claims, and how ordinary people navigate the claims process. Her explainers are informational only — not legal advice — and are reviewed against current statutes and official court and agency resources.
✓ Reviewed for accuracy by J. Patrick Doyle, Licensed Attorney (reviewer) · Updated August 2026
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