What to do If Arrested for a Felony or Misdemeanor

Rockville, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring & Wheaton, Maryland

An officer must first inform you if you are being arrested. If you have not been placed under arrest, you are simply being detained, and you can lawfully request to leave. If your request is denied, you are under arrest and need a Rockville criminal defense attorney on your side before you speak with police.

When you are arrested in Maryland, law enforcement has a right to search your person and the immediate area within your reach. You do not have to incriminate yourself by providing the police with information during this search.

If you have been arrested in Rockville, Derwood, North Potomac, Darnestown, North Bethesda, Garrett Park, Kensington, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, or Wheaton, please contact the Law Office of Leon A. Geller or call 301-309-8001 today to schedule a free consultation with our Maryland criminal defense attorney.

Know Your Rights

When you are arrested, police must inform you of your right to remain silent. They must also inform you of your right to legal representation. Silence is your best defense. Silence cannot be held against you, but anything you say, write, or sign can. Do not say, write, or sign anything until you speak with your lawyer.

Be careful not to confuse silence and resistance, however. If you are being arrested you should remain calm, treat officers with respect, and follow instructions. It is okay to give the arresting officers your name and address, but do not provide any information that you believe will be incriminating or could possibly be misconstrued as admission of a felony or misdemeanor. Remain polite as you request questioning cease until your lawyer is present.

Simply stating “I would like to speak with my attorney” when asked any question is entirely acceptable. Remember, an arrest is not a conviction, and you are innocent until proven guilty.

If you have been arrested or detained by police, please contact experienced Rockville criminal defense attorney Leon Geller to schedule a free consultation today. Attorney Geller provides exceptional legal representation for people in towns throughout Maryland including Rockville, Derwood, North Potomac, Darnestown, North Bethesda, Garrett Park, Kensington, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.