How you handle yourself in the first 24-hours of being arrested can make all the difference in the outcome of your criminal case (i.e., do you walk or go to jail?).
First, you do have to identify yourself or the court will not release you, so give them your biographical information that identifies you (name, address, DOB) AND NOTHING ELSE!!
Second, you have the right to remain silent so STOP TALKING about what happened, and say I WANT A LAWYER. To be clear, after you give them your biographical information and tell them “I WANT A LAWYER”, do yourself a favor and SHUT UP. You cannot make this better and you can make this a lot worse by giving up your right to remain silent. Understand this, the cops cannot cut a deal, so stop trying to convince them you are not the really guilty person, wait for your lawyer and then your lawyer can work out a deal with the prosecutor who is the only person who can cut a deal.
If you have been arrested, call a Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater lawyer, who can help you in your time of need. 813-229-5353
