Immediate Guidance

What to Do If You Are Arrested

The first hours after an arrest or police contact can shape what happens next. Protect your rights and avoid making the situation harder.

Five practical steps

Stay calm and do not resist. Comply with physical directions while avoiding arguments about the case.
Immediately contact the Law Offices of Ryan P. Callahan. We can offer advice on the best next steps once we have an understanding of your situation.
Follow release conditions. Treat bail, no-contact, and court-date instructions as mandatory unless a court changes them.
Stay in contact with your attorney. After we help with the initial arrest, we will want to interview you, get your side of what happened, and talk about next steps.
Preserve information. Save documents, messages, photos, video, receipts, and witness names after speaking with our office.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do immediately after an arrest?

Stay calm. Do not resist, argue, or try to explain the situation. Contact the Law Offices of Ryan P. Callahan for additional guidance on how to proceed.

Should I answer questions if I have nothing to hide?

It’s always best to have an attorney with you. You may unintentionally provide incomplete or misunderstood information. Ask for a lawyer before answering questions about an accusation or investigation, even if officers describe the conversation as informal.

Can police search my phone, car, or home?

It depends on the circumstances of your case. Contact the Law Offices of Ryan P. Callahan so we can provide an answer after reviewing the specifics of your case.

What information should I save for my attorney?

All of it. We are on your side, and everything you tell us is confidential unless otherwise agreed. Keep court notices, bail papers, police paperwork, messages, photos, videos, receipts, location records, and names of potential witnesses. Do not delete or alter anything, and avoid posting about the case online.

What if I have a no-contact or release condition?

Follow every condition exactly until a court changes it. Do not rely on the other person’s invitation or permission. Contact counsel promptly if a condition is unclear or creates a practical problem.

Get advice about your specific situation

Speak with counsel before answering questions or making decisions that may affect your case. An attorney can help advise on what, if anything, you should say. Let someone from the Law Offices of Ryan P. Callahan guide you through this complicated process.