You’ve been a law-abiding citizen for years and never had so much as a warning from law enforcement. Suddenly, you find yourself surrounded by police officers who claim you are a suspect in a criminal investigation. They inform you that you are under arrest.
Naturally, you are outraged by the prospect of this. You’ve done nothing wrong and wish to protest this fact. In criminal cases, timing is everything. And as difficult as it may be, the best place to protest your innocence is further down the line, when you have knowledgeable support behind you. It’s highly unlikely that you are going to talk the police at the scene from arresting you, especially when they have identified you as a suspect.
Focus on your breathing
A confrontation with police officers can be stressful, even when it is perfectly amicable. If you’re not used to this type of scenario, you could suffer a panic attack. It’s very important to gain control of your breathing at this stage. Deep breaths can help you to regain your composure. The calmer you are, the better placed you are to assert your rights calmly but firmly.
Physicality could add to your charges
Resisting arrest is a criminal offense in Texas. If you’re in a vehicle, your panicked state may lead you to try to flee the scene. If you feel physically threatened, you may try to run away or prevent the officers from cuffing you. If you do any of these things, you may be charged with evading arrest. Even if the initial charges against you turn out to be fabricated, you could still be convicted for trying to obstruct law enforcement in their duties, so it’s simply not worth it.
You are innocent until proven guilty, and you will have time to make your case. A more favorable outcome may be achieved if you wait until you have the appropriate legal guidance behind you.