Even good people can find themselves the subject of a drug arrest, which can alter the course of their lives for years to come. A drug conviction can easily result in jail time, fines, and other harsh penalties. You may also experience consequences for years after your arrest, consequences that can impact you both personally and professionally.

My name is Angela Arellanes and I know that the stakes are high when it comes to a drug arrest. That’s why my firm, Angela Arellanes Law, is committed to helping people throughout Albuquerque faced with serious legal penalties.

What Are Your Rights During an Arrest?

All citizens of the U.S. have the right to remain silent when questioned by the police. By invoking this right during the arrest, you can refrain from incriminating yourself. Remember, even seemingly harmless statements made to the police can affect the charges against you, so it’s best to stay silent.

You also have the right to request legal counsel before providing any statements to the police. Law enforcement is obligated to provide you with a phone call, which you can use to contact an experienced criminal attorney. Additionally, the police cannot listen in to a call between you and a lawyer. They can listen to other phone calls you make, so avoid saying anything incriminating should you call a loved one.

What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?

The police are required to treat you in a certain manner, regardless of the charges against you. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate risk to yourself:

• Comply with the officer’s commands. Resisting arrest can add to the penalties you face, even if the officer has a faulty basis for the arrest.
• Take note of the police officers’ names and badge numbers. You can provide this information to your attorney later.
• If you’ve been injured by the police, seek out medical attention immediately. This will create a record of your injuries.
• Provide all necessary information to your attorney, including any witness contact information if others were present during your arrest.

A drug arrest is an intimidating experience, which is why you need the right attorney by your side. Call my firm at (505) 247-2417 to schedule a consultation today. You can also contact us for more information about what we do and how we can help you.