Steps to Take After Being Arrested in Texas
After being arrested in Texas, the most crucial steps are to remain calm, avoid discussing your case with anyone, understand the charges against you, and contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. The decisions you make during the first hours and days after an arrest can affect your defense, your bond conditions, and how your case moves forward.
Get in touch with Amanda Hernandez Law, PLLC, so our criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio can begin protecting your rights and building your defense.
Stay Calm and Do Not Discuss Your Case
An arrest can be stressful, but it’s important to remain calm and cooperate during the booking process. Avoid arguing with officers or trying to explain your side of the story during the arrest. You should also avoid talking about your case to other inmates, friends, or family over jail phones. Many jail calls are recorded, and statements you make could later be used as evidence.
Find Out The Exact Charges You Are Facing
Ask what offense you’re being charged with and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony. Knowing the charge against you is a vital first step in determining what penalties you may face and what the next stage of the criminal process will look like. Many arrests in San Antonio are made by the San Antonio Police Department or the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, with cases typically proceeding through the Bexar County criminal courts or, in some cases, federal court.
Contact Our San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney as Soon as Possible
The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner your defense can begin. Our criminal defense lawyer in San Antonio can explain the charges, review the circumstances of your arrest, identify potential legal issues, and advise you before you answer questions or make important decisions.
Talking to your lawyer as early as possible can also help preserve evidence, locate witnesses, review police reports as they become available, and prepare for bond hearings and future court appearances. Taking these steps early may prevent problems that become more difficult to address later in your case.
Follow Your Bond Conditions Carefully
Make sure you understand and follow every condition the court imposes if you’re released on bond. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 17.40, judges may impose reasonable bond conditions designed to ensure public safety and your appearance in court.
Depending on your case, those conditions may include appearing at all court dates, avoiding contact with certain individuals, obeying travel restrictions, or complying with alcohol or drug testing. Violating your bond conditions could result in additional legal consequences or the court revoking your bond.
Start Preparing Your Defense Strategy
Don’t wait until your next court date to begin helping your defense. Save text messages, emails, photographs, videos, receipts, or other information that may be relevant to your case. If there were witnesses to the events leading up to your arrest, write down their names and contact information while they’re still fresh in your memory. Provide any potentially relevant evidence to your attorney so they can determine what may help your defense and how it should be preserved. You should also avoid deleting electronic evidence or posting about your arrest on social media.
Speak With Our San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyer After Your Arrest
Remember, what you do after getting arrested can significantly influence what happens next in your case. If you’ve been arrested in Texas, our seasoned criminal defense attorney in San Antonio can guide you through each stage of the process and begin protecting your interests right away. Complete our online form or call Amanda Hernandez Law, PLLC at 210-369-4040 for your confidential case evaluation now.