Many people automatically believe that cooperating and answering questions by police officers is the best thing to do when being arrested or accused of committing a crime. Or, if they are innocent of the accusations against them, they should tell the truth and exonerate themselves. Unfortunately, these widespread myths often cause individuals to incriminate themselves further and end up with a harsh sentence in their cases.
Individuals who are facing criminal charges should generally observe the following guidelines. Be polite and cooperative, but do not answer questions from police as it could incriminate them further. If arrested, refrain from arguing or resisting in any way. Contact an attorney as soon as possible, either directly or by calling a trusted friend or family member. Pay close attention to the criminal charges that form the basis for the arrest and the procedures that police follow during the arrest.