What to Do if You Are Arrested in Los Angeles

An arrest is a frightening and disorienting experience—whether you’re facing handcuffs for the first time or have dealt with law enforcement before. In the moment, you may feel powerless or pressured to speak, explain, or even cooperate in ways that can hurt you later. But no matter how overwhelming the situation feels, what you do—and what you don’t do—can have a major impact on the outcome of your case.

At the Kosnett Law Firm, we help individuals in Los Angeles who have been arrested and charged with crimes. Here is what you need to know and do if you or a loved one is arrested. For personalized advice and immediate assistance, contact the Kosnett Law Firm for help from an experienced and dedicated Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.

Stay Calm and Don’t Resist

The first and most important thing to do is stay calm. When officers place you under arrest, do not resist, argue, or run. Even if you believe the arrest is unjustified or based on a misunderstanding, resisting can lead to additional charges and potentially escalate the situation, putting you at risk of injury or a more serious outcome.

You don’t have to agree with what’s happening. But the time to challenge the legality of the arrest or the accuracy of the charges is later—through your attorney, in court—not on the street or in the back of a patrol car.

You Have the Right to Remain Silent—Use It

One of the most powerful rights you have is the right to remain silent. Use it. You are not required to answer any questions beyond providing your name, address, and identification. Politely and clearly state that you wish to remain silent and that you want to speak to a lawyer. Then stop talking.

Do not try to explain your side of the story. Do not try to talk your way out of the situation. What you say will almost certainly be used against you, even if you are completely innocent. You cannot “clear things up” at this stage, and anything you say can complicate your defense later.

Police officers are trained to extract information and admissions. They may act friendly or make it seem like talking will help you. Don’t fall for it. Once you invoke your right to remain silent, law enforcement must stop questioning you.

Request an Attorney Immediately

You also have the right to an attorney. As soon as you are arrested—or even if you are just being questioned in a custodial setting—ask to speak to a lawyer. Say clearly, “I want to speak to an attorney.”

Once you make this request, questioning is supposed to stop. Do not agree to speak “just for a minute” or sign anything until you have had the chance to consult with counsel. Whether you plan to hire your own attorney or have a public defender appointed, invoking this right protects you from making mistakes that could jeopardize your case.

If you are arrested in Los Angeles, contacting an experienced criminal defense lawyer like those at the Kosnett Law Firm is the best way to protect your rights and begin building a strong defense.

Understand the Booking Process

After your arrest, you will be taken to a police station or detention facility for booking. This process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and entering your personal information into the criminal justice system. You may be searched, have your belongings taken, and placed in a holding cell.

You may be held for a short time and released with a notice to appear in court, or you may be kept in custody until you can appear before a judge. If bail is set, you or someone on your behalf can arrange to pay it to secure your release.

It’s important to remember that even though you are in custody, your rights are still in effect. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your lawyer. Conversations with cellmates, visitors, or over jail phones may be recorded or monitored.

Call a Family Member or Attorney

In most cases, you will be allowed to make a phone call. Use it wisely. Contact a trusted family member, friend, or attorney. If you are calling someone other than a lawyer, give them basic information: where you are, that you’ve been arrested, and that you need legal help. Avoid talking about the details of your case.

If a family member receives your call, they should immediately contact a criminal defense attorney on your behalf. At the Kosnett Law Firm, we are available to help clients in custody and can often intervene early in the process to advise them, assist with bail, and begin work on the case.

Bail and Release Options

In California, many people arrested for crimes are eligible for release on bail or on their own recognizance (O.R.), depending on the nature of the charges, their criminal history, and other factors. Bail is money paid to secure your release and ensure that you return to court. Cash bail has been largely eliminated in California but still exists in several circumstances.

If bail is set, you can pay the full amount directly to the court or work with a bail bond company, which typically charges a non-refundable fee (usually 10% of the bail amount). In some cases, an attorney may be able to appear in court and request that bail be lowered or that you be released without bail. Some bond companies also charge a lower fee if you already have legal representation, since you are more likely to appear in court when required.

Your lawyer can also challenge any delays or conditions in your release and help ensure your rights are respected during this critical phase.

Your First Court Appearance

Your first court appearance is called the arraignment. At this hearing, the judge will formally read the charges against you, and you will be asked to enter a plea—usually “not guilty.” The judge may also address bail or release conditions at this time.

This is where having legal representation is essential. Your attorney will advocate for you, explain your rights, and begin setting the tone for your defense strategy. If you don’t already have a lawyer by this point, you should request that the court appoint one or delay proceedings until you can retain counsel.

Avoid Talking to the Police or Others About Your Case

It cannot be overstated: do not talk about your case with anyone but your attorney. Police may try to question you again, even after you’ve invoked your right to remain silent. Friends or family may urge you to “tell your side” or post about what happened on social media.

All of this can hurt you. Prosecutors can and will use your own words against you. Even casual comments, texts, or online posts can be taken out of context and introduced as evidence. Let your lawyer do the talking for you.

Document What You Can

Once you are safe and have retained an attorney, take time to write down everything you remember about the arrest. Include details about where you were, who was present, what was said, and how the officers treated you. This information can be invaluable to your defense, especially if there are questions about the legality of the arrest or the conduct of the officers.

Share this information only with your attorney. It will help them assess possible defenses and pursue motions to suppress evidence or challenge the charges.

Get Legal Help As Soon As Possible

Being arrested doesn’t mean you’re guilty—and it doesn’t mean you have to face the criminal justice system alone. At Kosnett Law Firm, our experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys fight to protect the rights of the accused at every stage, from arrest through trial and beyond. We understand the fear and confusion that come with being arrested, and we are committed to standing by your side, explaining your options, and working for the best possible outcome.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested, don’t wait. The earlier you involve a qualified attorney, the better your chances of avoiding charges, getting charges dismissed or reduced, or achieving a favorable result in court. Contact the Kosnett Law Firm today for a no-cost, confidential consultation.