What Should I Do If I Were Arrested for a Crime?

If you are arrested in Myrtle Beach, stay calm, make no statements, and protect your rights, especially your right to a criminal defense lawyer. Your actions in the first hours after arrest can affect whether charges are reduced, dismissed, or pursued aggressively.

If you’re arrested, our criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, LLC, can step in quickly to review events and help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your case.

What Should You Do During the Arrest?

Your behavior during the arrest matters more than most people realize. Law enforcement may already believe a crime occurred, and anything you say to them or do during the arrest can be used against you. At this stage:

• Do not resist, even if you believe the arrest is unfair
• Do not argue or try to explain your side
• Keep your responses minimal and respectful

Avoid escalating the situation or giving officers information they can use against you.

What Should You Say and Not Say After Being Arrested?

After an arrest, use your right to remain silent. In Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966), the U.S. Supreme Court established that you must be told your rights, including silence and an attorney, during custodial interrogation. Once in custody:

• Do not try to “clear things up”
• Do not discuss the situation with officers or other detainees

State, “I am invoking my right to remain silent and want a lawyer.” Then stop speaking.

When Should You Ask for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Myrtle Beach?

You should ask for a lawyer as soon as questioning begins, or even earlier. This is one of the most crucial steps in the process. The police are legally obligated to stop the interrogation after you ask for a lawyer. Our Myrtle Beach criminal defense attorneys can:

• Prevent damaging statements
• Identify issues with the arrest or investigation
• Shape how the case develops from the beginning
• Ensure you understand the charges, possible defenses, and what to expect next

Early legal help can affect whether charges are formally pursued.

What Happens After You Are Booked and Processed?

After the arrest, you will be sent to a local facility for booking. This process includes:

• Recording your personal information
• Fingerprinting and photographing you
• Entering the charge into the system

Police may hold you until your bond hearing or release you on bond, depending on the charge. In South Carolina, bond decisions follow Article I, Section 15 of the state Constitution and S.C. Code § 17-15-10 et seq., requiring courts to consider the offense, history, flight risk, and community danger.

This stage determines if you remain in custody or can return home pending your case.

What Should You Do After You Are Released in Myrtle Beach?

Once released, your actions continue to matter. You should:

• Follow all the bond conditions strictly
• Avoid contact with alleged victims or witnesses if prohibited
• Keep records related to your case

This is also when your defense begins to take shape. Evidence can be preserved, witnesses identified, and any legal issues addressed early.

Fight Your Arrest with Help from Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Myrtle Beach Today

An arrest doesn’t determine the outcome of your case, but it sets the stage for everything that follows. For your confidential case assessment, call The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson, at 843-488-4321 or reach us online.