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    Steps to Take After Being Arrested

    On behalf of Granger and Mueller PC posted in Criminal Law on Friday, September 12, 2025.

    Steps to Take After Being Arrested

    Being arrested is overwhelming, but the steps you take now are important to your case.

    Being arrested is a very stressful and confusing experience. It is natural to feel frustrated, upset, and unsure of what to do next. However, the steps you take during and after the arrest are incredibly important. Knowing what to do can help protect your rights, while taking the wrong steps can hurt your case. Below, one of our Travis County criminal defense lawyers explains the steps to take after being arrested.

    Exercise Your Rights

    You have a number of rights when being arrested. These include:

    • The right to remain silent: You have the right to remain silent, and it is important that you exercise it. If you say too much, you could incriminate yourself, and your words will be used against you. You are not required to answer the officer’s questions, so remain silent until you have an attorney present.
    • The right to a lawyer: Before answering an officer’s questions or preparing for legal procedures, you have the right to an attorney. Ask for your lawyer right away to protect you throughout the process.
    • Do not consent to a search: Under the Fourth Amendment, officers must obtain a warrant before conducting a search or seizing your property. If you provide consent, officers can also legally search your property, so never give your permission to a search.

    Cooperate But Do Not Incriminate

    While you should try to say as little as possible, it is still important to cooperate with basic requests from law enforcement, such as stating your name and showing them identification. If you do not comply with these standard requests, you may face additional charges, such as resisting arrest.

    Booking

    After the arrest, you will be taken to the local police station for booking. This will include taking your fingerprints, personal information, and a photograph. Although this can feel invasive, it is standard procedure. During booking, you will also be told of the charges against you. It is critical that you understand what officers tell you during this phase because it will inform you of the exact charges you are facing. If you are allowed a phone call, contact your lawyer or someone who can speak to one for you.

    The Arraignment

    It is important to attend your arraignment as this is the first chance you have to hear the formal charges against you. You will also be asked to enter a plea. Many people plead ‘not guilty’ as the time to give their lawyer more time to review the evidence and prepare a defense. A bail amount may also be set during the arraignment.

    Call Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Travis County

    After any arrest, it is critical that you contact our Travis County criminal defense lawyers at Granger and Mueller, PC. Our experienced attorneys can prepare the strong defense you need, advise on the next steps to take, and ensure that your rights are always protected. Call us now at (512) 474-9999 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.