What to Do After an Arrest in Queens or NYC
Take Steps to Ensure the Best Possible Outcome
Being arrested can be a shocking experience. Often, there is confusion, fear, and anger involved, and it is easy for the accused to overreact or even panic which being taken into custody. There are steps you can take, however, to help ensure the resolution of these charges happen swiftly, efficiency, and with minimal penalty.
Call our Queens defense firm today to speak with a representative informed by 100 years of collective experience.
I've been arrested––now what?
From the moment you are read your Miranda Rights, there are steps you can take to minimize the opportunity for additional charges or legal issues. These are sometimes difficult to follow considering the emotions involved in an arrest, but they can have long-lasting, positive effects on your case.
If you've been arrested, make sure to:
- Comply with the arresting and booking officers
- Remain calm - bad behavior can still reach a judge
- Make no statements other than personal information
- If questions are asked, ask for a lawyer
- Use your phone call to contact an attorney or a loved one who can provide one
- Avoid contacting any victims in the incident you were arrested for
- Listen to your attorney - they can help you strategize prepare your defense
What to Expect in Your First Court Appearance
Arraignment, the fancy name for your first court appearance, sounds scary and complicated, but with the right representation on your side it can be much less intimidating than you might think.
This court appearance essentially serves as the judge's chance to tell you why you're being charged. Arraignment typically takes place within 48 hours of your arrest if you're already in jail. If not, it may not occur for several weeks.
The prosecution is responsible for writing up your accusation, which is then read aloud by the judge. After hearing your charges, you may apply for legal counsel in the form of an attorney. Judges may choose to supply an attorney if being incarcerated is a likely consequence of the charges. If you are required to hire your own attorney and do not have enough time to do so right away, the court will consider putting your arraignment on hold.
What's next?
Courtroom scenes in movies and on TV are actually fairly accurate when the judge asks the defendant, "And how do you plea?" Most defendants choose to submit a not guilty plea, but this will be up to you and your attorney.
When bail is involved, you can petition for your bail status to be reviewed, usually with the hope that the judge will reduce it significantly. The prosecution team is also allowed to make a case for why they believe your bail should be raised.
It is then time for the judge to schedule the hearing of pretrial motions. Pretrial motions are issues that are brought to the judge's attention by you and your attorney. Depending on the status of these motions, the judge will then determine the date of your next hearings, including a pretrial conference, preliminary hearing, and the trial itself.
Hire a Queens Trial Lawyer With Experience
At Musa-Obregon Law PC, we know that criminal charges can easily become aggravated and compounded by poor behavior during and after an arrest. Whether there's already been a complication, or you are unsure what to do next, an experienced New York criminal defense attorney can provide the counsel you need to put this ordeal behind you as quickly as possible.
Whether you have to appear before the Queens County Criminal Court, New York County Criminal Court, or any other surrounding courts, get retain our legal services before you have to make any court appearances. We have 100 years' combined legal experience protecting the rights of the criminally accused in New York.
Serving all of New York including Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Rockland County, Manhattan & Westchester County.
Proven New York Criminal Defense Attorneys Ready to Help
An arrest can be an especially trying experience, especially if your charges have taken you completely by surprise. Vigilant, thorough representation, however, can be by your side almost immediately when you reach out to our firm. We are here to ensure that your defense is being prepared and that your voice is heard in court.
If you or a loved one has been arrested, Musa-Obregon Law PC has a representative standing by to help. Call our Queens defense lawyers for a free consultation today!