What to DoWhen Arrested
Know your constitutional rights — whether you are a citizen or not. 6 critical steps, what to say (and what NOT to say), and how arrest affects your green card or visa.
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Being arrested right now? Stay calm. Stay silent. Ask for a lawyer.
Immediately after arrest
What to do immediately after arrest
Follow these 6 steps in order to protect yourself and your case.
Stay calm and compliant
CriticalDo not resist arrest, run, or argue with police. Physical resistance can lead to additional charges. Keep your hands visible at all times.
Invoke your right to silence
CriticalClearly state: "I am invoking my right to remain silent." After that, do not answer any questions about the incident.
Request a lawyer immediately
CriticalSay: "I want to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions." Police must stop interrogation once you invoke this right.
Do not consent to searches
If police ask to search you, your car, or your belongings, clearly state: "I do not consent to any searches." They may search anyway, but your objection is on record.
Remember badge numbers and details
Try to note the officers' badge numbers, patrol car numbers, and the time and location of the arrest. This information helps your attorney.
Contact family or your lawyer
You have the right to make a phone call. Use it to contact a family member or an attorney. An Arabic-speaking criminal defense lawyer can begin working on your release immediately.
Protect yourself
5 things never to say to police
Anything you say can and will be used against you. These common statements hurt your case.
"I didn't do anything wrong"
Even denials can be used against you. Anything you say becomes evidence.
"Let me explain what happened"
Your explanation can be twisted. Wait for your lawyer to be present.
"I was just..."
Partial explanations are dangerous. Police are trained to use them against you.
"Can I just go home?"
This can be interpreted as an attempt to flee. Ask "Am I free to leave?" instead.
"I know my rights" (then keep talking)
Knowing your rights means nothing if you don't exercise them. Stop talking.
The only things you should say:
"I am invoking my right to remain silent."
"I want to speak to a lawyer."
"I do not consent to any searches."
"Am I free to leave?"
Timeline
What happens after arrest — the first 72 hours
Here is what to expect from booking to arraignment.
Arrest
0 hoursYou are taken into custody. Officers read Miranda rights. Stay silent and request a lawyer.
Booking
1-4 hoursFingerprinting, photographs, and personal information collected. You can request your phone call.
Holding
4-24 hoursYou wait in a holding cell. Your attorney should be contacted during this time.
Arraignment
24-72 hoursFirst court appearance. Charges are formally read. Bail is set. Your lawyer can argue for release.
Bail hearing
24-72 hoursJudge decides bail amount or release conditions. An attorney can argue for lower bail or release on recognizance.
The Constitution protects you
Your rights during a police stop or arrest
These constitutional rights apply to everyone in the United States — citizen or not, documented or not.
Protection from unreasonable search
Police cannot search you, your car, or your home without a warrant or probable cause. You have the right to refuse consent to a search.
Right to remain silent
You cannot be forced to incriminate yourself. After being read your Miranda rights, you can refuse to answer any questions.
Right to due process
The government must follow fair procedures before depriving you of life, liberty, or property. This includes the right to a fair trial.
Right to an attorney
You have the right to an attorney at every critical stage of the process. If you cannot afford one, the court must appoint one for you.
Getting out
How bail works and what it costs
Understanding bail can mean the difference between waiting in jail and going home to your family.
Your bail rights
Bail for non-citizens
How an arrest affects your green card or visa
For non-citizens, an arrest can have severe immigration consequences beyond the criminal case itself — even without a conviction.
Green card holders
Contact an immigration attorney alongside your criminal defense lawyer
Visa holders (H-1B, F-1, etc.)
Do NOT speak to ICE without an attorney present
Undocumented individuals
Invoke your rights. Do not sign any documents without a lawyer.
Language access
Your right to an Arabic interpreter
If English is not your primary language, you have important rights to language access during arrest, questioning, and court proceedings.
Key phrases to remember
"I need an Arabic interpreter."
Say this clearly and repeat if needed
"I do not understand. I need a translator."
If they continue in English
"I want to speak to a lawyer."
This stops all questioning
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Common questions about arrest rights
Answers from Arabic-speaking criminal defense attorneys.
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and rights vary by state and jurisdiction. This guide does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have been arrested, contact a licensed criminal defense attorney immediately for advice specific to your situation. In case of emergency, call 911.