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Last Modified on May 05, 2026
What to Do After Being Arrested in California – Legal Steps and What to Expect
Being arrested, regardless of whether or not you are innocent, can be a frightening experience, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and isolated with no idea how to protect yourself. Hiring a skilled Rancho Cucamonga DUI lawyer can help you determine what to do after being arrested in California and how to avoid incriminating yourself.
If You Have Been Arrested, The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores Can Help
If you are struggling to figure out what to do after being arrested in California, The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores can help you.
With over 15 years of experience, attorney Daniel Flores understands the importance of knowing and using one’s rights and is prepared to show each of his clients how to do so.
Come and discover how The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores can help you navigate your charges and everything that comes with them.
What to Do After Being Arrested in California
In 2024, there were 810,400 arrests reported in California. That same year, 74,929 of those arrests occurred in Los Angeles alone.
Not every person who gets arrested is guilty of the crime they are being charged with. Regardless of innocence, however, it is always smart to do the following immediately following an arrest:
- Invoke your rights immediately. Whenever law enforcement makes an arrest, they need to inform you of your rights, including your right to remain silent and to legal representation. You should invoke these rights immediately, telling them that you are going to remain silent and that you want a lawyer. Do not say anything after that.
- Remain calm and cooperative. Despite refusing to speak without your lawyer present, you can still behave calmly and cooperatively. While you should not resist arrest, you can refuse to volunteer any additional information or consent to any searches. If police have a warrant, they can search within the confines of that order, but you do not need to give them any further permission.
- Request to make your local phone call. Making a local phone call is another basic right for anyone under arrest. This phone call should be used to contact a lawyer, but you may also use it to connect with a loved one about arranging bail. Still, your lawyer can do so on your behalf, so it is better to call them instead.
- Say nothing about your case or charges. You should always avoid discussing anything about your charges and/or situation on the phone, in jail, or with anyone apart from your attorney. You may feel tempted to discuss it with family, but it is always better to keep those conversations for your lawyer alone, who can always pass information along to loved ones.
What Comes After Your Arrest?
Now that you know how to handle the initial arrest, it may be helpful to understand what comes next.
- Undergoing the booking process. Law enforcement will take your mugshot and fingerprints, as well as record any personal information. This is standard procedure.
- Involving a lawyer. This is when your lawyer arrives to help you understand your charges, as well as prepare for what is still to come.
- Preparing for your arraignment. The next step after being arrested is to prepare for your first court appearance, where you are informed of your charges, and the bail amount may be set.
- Handling your bail. While it typically depends on your charges and whether or not you are deemed a flight risk, you may be released on your own recognizance. Otherwise, you need to post bail. Your lawyer can help you sort this out and involve the necessary individuals to get your bail posted.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you can get the advocacy and guidance you need to face everything that comes after your arrest.
If you believe yourself innocent of your charges, you may feel inclined to defend yourself. While this is well within your rights, it is also quite risky. Even the words of the innocent can be twisted, leading to the violation of your rights and resulting in a potential unfair conviction.
This is why, innocent or guilty, it is always smart to hire a criminal defense lawyer to handle the case on your behalf.
FAQs About What to Do After Being Arrested in California
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in California?
The cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in California varies depending on the situation. Several factors influence the overall cost, including:
- Who you choose to hire
- How long your case takes to reach a verdict
- How many charges you face
- The overall level of complexity your case presents
- The severity of your charges
What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Defense Lawyer and a Criminal Lawyer in California?
The main difference between criminal defense lawyers and criminal lawyers is the service they provide. While they may sound interchangeable, they actually can serve as two separate, and even opposing, roles. Criminal defense lawyers are typically involved in defending individuals who have been accused of a crime. In contrast, the term “criminal lawyer” can be applied to anyone involved in the criminal justice court system, including prosecutors.
Should I Really Be Honest With My Lawyer About Everything in California?
Yes, you should always be honest with your criminal defense lawyer about your case, even if it makes you look guilty or feels embarrassing. Your lawyer is not there to judge you, but rather to help you build a strong defense against the charges you are facing. They cannot do that if they do not have all the necessary information before creating their defense. As counterintuitive as it may feel, you and your case will likely be better off.
Does Getting Arrested Mean That Law Enforcement Has the Right to Search My Property in California?
No, getting arrested does not mean that law enforcement has the right to search your property in California. You have the right to deny them permission to enter. If they have a warrant, however, they are legally allowed to search anywhere outlined in said warrant for any specific things described in it.
Get the Help That You Need Today
Contact The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores today to schedule your consultation and discover how we can advocate for you, your rights, and your desired outcomes.
