What to Do If You’re Arrested in Los Angeles
Getting arrested is one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. Whether you’re pulled over during a routine traffic stop, approached by police at your home, or questioned in public, you might not be thinking clearly when your freedom is suddenly at stake. Knowing what to do if you’re arrested in Los Angeles can make all the difference in protecting your rights, your future, and your chances of beating the charges. Read on for a discussion of this vital topic, and contact Kosnett Law Firm for immediate assistance from a skilled and experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer.
Important Steps After an Arrest in LA
Los Angeles is a sprawling city with a large and active police presence. From the LAPD to the LA County Sheriff’s Department and other local law enforcement agencies, thousands of arrests take place here every month. Many people have never been in trouble with the law before and don’t know what to expect when they are placed in handcuffs and have their rights read to them.
First and foremost, stay calm. You cannot talk your way out of an arrest once an officer has decided to take you into custody. Arguing, resisting, or acting aggressively will only make things worse and could lead to additional charges like resisting arrest or assaulting an officer. Instead, take a deep breath, keep your hands visible, and follow the officer’s basic instructions. If you are driving, pull over safely, keep your hands on the wheel, and wait for the officer to approach.
One of the most important things to remember is that you have the right to remain silent. After you’ve been detained, you are not required to answer police questions beyond providing your basic identifying information, such as your name and date of birth. Police may try to get you talking — they might say they just want your side of the story or imply that cooperating now will help you later. Don’t fall for it. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Politely but firmly say, “I want to remain silent, and I want a lawyer.” Then stop talking.
After your arrest, you’ll likely be taken to a local police station or jail for booking. This process includes recording your personal information, photographing you (your mugshot), taking your fingerprints, and inventorying your personal property. Depending on the nature of the charge and your criminal history, you may be eligible for bail right away, or you may need to wait for a bail hearing. Los Angeles County has largely done away with cash bail for most misdemeanors and some felonies as well, but steep bail amounts still exist based on the severity of the alleged crime.
If you are given the option to make a phone call, use it wisely. Many people mistakenly think that calls to family or friends are private, but in most cases, jail phone calls are recorded and can be used as evidence. Never talk about the details of your case over a jail phone. Instead, call a trusted family member to arrange bail and contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. If you have the phone number of a lawyer handy, that should be your first call.
It’s natural to want to explain yourself, especially if you feel you’ve been wrongly accused or there’s been a misunderstanding. But trying to clear things up on your own almost always backfires. Police officers and prosecutors are trained to use your words against you. They might twist innocent statements or take them out of context. By staying silent and letting your lawyer speak for you, you protect yourself from accidentally making things worse.
Once you’re out on bail, your next steps are critical. Do not skip your court date — missing a hearing can lead to a bench warrant for your arrest and make your situation much harder to resolve. Keep track of all documents you receive, including your bail receipt, booking paperwork, and any notice of your next court appearance. Bring these with you when you meet with your attorney.
Choosing the right defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Look for someone with extensive experience handling cases like yours in Los Angeles courts. Local knowledge matters — a lawyer who knows the judges, prosecutors, and local procedures can often negotiate more effectively and find opportunities that an out-of-town attorney might miss.
Your lawyer will review the facts of your arrest, examine the evidence, and determine whether your rights were violated at any stage. If the police lacked probable cause, conducted an illegal search, or failed to read you your Miranda rights properly, it may be possible to have key evidence suppressed or even get the charges dismissed altogether.
While your case is pending, avoid posting about your situation on social media. Prosecutors often scour Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms for statements or photos that can be used against you in court. Be careful about what you say to friends or acquaintances, and never try to contact an alleged victim or witness on your own.
Contact a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer at Kosnett Law Firm
If you’ve been arrested in Los Angeles, remember that you don’t have to face the system alone. At Kosnett Law Firm, our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand how frightening an arrest can be. We are here to protect your rights, fight for your freedom, and guide you through every step of the process from arrest to arraignment, negotiations, motions, and trial if necessary.
A single mistake, misunderstanding, or wrongful accusation doesn’t have to define your future. Knowing what to do and acting quickly to hire the right legal help can mean the difference between a devastating conviction and a second chance.
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Los Angeles, don’t wait. Contact Kosnett Law Firm today to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will stand by your side and fight for you.
