Do These Things
- Invoke your rights, clearly. Say out loud: “I am going to remain silent, and I want a lawyer.” Then stop talking about the case — to police, to cellmates, on recorded jail phones, and on social media.
- Be polite and comply physically. Do not argue, run, or resist, even if the arrest is wrong. Fight it in court, not on the street — resisting only adds charges.
- Do not consent to searches. You can politely decline: “I do not consent to a search.” Make them get a warrant. Consent waives powerful defenses.
- Write down everything you remember. The stop, the questions, the times, the officers, the witnesses. Memory fades fast and details win cases.
- Preserve evidence. Save texts, photos, receipts, and the names and numbers of witnesses. Don’t delete anything.
- Call a lawyer immediately. The sooner counsel is involved, the more can be done — including contacting the prosecutor before charges are even filed.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Talking your way out of it. You cannot. Statements made without a lawyer are the most common way good cases are lost.
- Consenting to a search of your car, phone, or home. This routinely hands the State evidence it could not otherwise use.
- Posting about the case. Prosecutors read social media. Assume everything you post is evidence.
- Contacting the alleged victim or witnesses. Especially in assault, domestic-violence, and protection-order cases, this can create new charges.
- Missing a court date or a deadline. Failing to appear can trigger a warrant and forfeited bond. If a charge involves your license, act fast.
Then Call Us
Call (740) 532-8744 (Ironton) or (740) 867-3166 (Chesapeake) for a free, confidential consultation. We respond the same business day in most cases. If your matter involves OVI, see our dedicated OVI / DUI site.