Nobody wants to get arrested. Depending on the charge, you could end up with fines, jail time, community service, and a criminal record. Not to mention that a criminal conviction can affect your employment, education, housing, and reputation. Below is a list of seven steps that you can take to avoid being arrested in Sugar Land, Texas
- Stay Calm and Respectful When Interacting with the Police
If you are approached by Sugar Land police officers, you should stay calm and respectful. Follow the orders of the police, even if you disagree. If you get aggressive or start making furtive movements, you will arouse the suspicions of the police.
You should never assault a law enforcement officer, even if you believe you are innocent or the police are acting illegally. Getting physical will automatically lead to an arrest for resisting arrest or assaulting a police officer. If you disagree with the officers, you should let your attorney challenge the charges and actions of the police in court.
- Do Not Talk to the Police
You should always be respectful and comply with police orders, but you have no obligation to answer questions. You should never speak to the police without an attorney present. You could incriminate yourself, and what you say could be used as a reason to arrest you. It is critical to understand that Sugar Land police can lie to get more information out of you. You should not believe any promises law enforcement makes to get you to talk.
- Do Not Consent to Searches
You should never consent to a search of your home or property, including your car. Under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have privacy rights that protect you against unreasonable searches and seizures. In general, the police cannot search your property without consent unless they have probable cause. If it is your home, they almost always need a warrant to search. If you consent to a search, the police may find evidence that could lead to your arrest.
If the cops believe that they have probable cause, you should not resist. Instead, you should object to the search and state you do not consent. Your attorney can challenge the search in court if you are arrested.
- Do Not Ignore Warrants
Unpaid tickets and fines may not feel like a big deal, but if they are left outstanding, the court can issue a warrant for your arrest. Warrants never go away; they only get worse. You will be arrested eventually and have to pay additional penalties.
Furthermore, if you have been charged with a crime, be sure to show up to all court dates and follow-through will all the steps required of you. Otherwise, the judge will issue a warrant for your arrest.
- Do Not Drink and Drive
In Sugar Land, Texas, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you have been drinking, call an Uber, taxi, or a friend to drive you home. It is not worth the risk of getting arrested or, worse, injuring yourself or someone else.
- Do Not Carry Illegal Drugs
Take time to understand the Texas drug laws and how the quantity that you are carrying affects the arrest. Additionally, you should not carry prescription medication outside the pharmacist’s bottle and do not consolidate different medications within one container. If the police pull your vehicle over, a bag or bottle of unmarked drugs can lead to your arrest.
- Understand Texas Gun Laws
If you own a firearm in Fort Bend, you must be knowledgeable about Texas gun laws. Understand who is allowed to possess a firearm, who you are permitted to buy firearms from, what permits are necessary to carry a firearm, and where you can carry your firearm. Ignorance of the law is not a defense.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
If you are in a situation where you feel something bad is going to happen or something illegal is taking place, you should walk away. By removing yourself from the situation before the police arrive, you can avoid getting into legal trouble.
Your Sugar Land Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one has been arrested in Sugar Land, Texas, you should reach out to an experienced and client-focused Sugar Land criminal defense attorney. Attorney Adam Capetillo is a Fort Bend County native who will provide a skilled and aggressive defense. Call Capetillo Law Firm today at (346) 249-5544 for a free consultation.
