I got arrested. What happens next?

You call me, duh.

If you found yourself here because you (or someone you love) was just arrested, I'm guessing you're somewhere between terrified, embarrassed, and frantically Googling every worst-case scenario imaginable.

Take a breath. An arrest is serious, but it is not the end of your story.

Whether you were arrested five minutes ago or five months ago, there are steps you can take to protect yourself—and the choices you make right now can have a real impact on your case.

Step One: Stop Talking.

This is the hardest advice for most people to follow. You want to explain. You want to tell your side. You want to convince the officer that there has been a misunderstanding. I get it.

But the police aren't interviewing you because they're undecided. Their job is to investigate. Your job is to protect yourself. Politely tell the officer that you want an attorney before answering questions.

Try this: "I understand you have a job to do, but I do not want to speak without my lawyer present."

Or this: "Respectfully, I am not answering any questions without a lawyer."

Then actually stop talking.

That includes the police, other people in the jail, social media posts, friends, witnesses, your momma, your dog...am I clear? There's a reason they tell you "anything you say can and will be used against you." And if you're in custody, assume every phone call is recorded and everybody in the jail is looking out for themselves.

Step Two: Call Me. (See? I Told You.)

Whether you're sitting in jail, you've bonded out, or you just found out there's a warrant for your arrest, don't wait until your first court date to get legal advice.

The earlier I'm involved, the more opportunities we may have to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and start building your defense.

And no, you don't have to have every answer before you call. That's my job.

Step Three: Keep Every Piece of Paper.

Your bond paperwork, your court date, the charging documents, the tow slip, the receipt from the convenience store where you bought $10 worth of gas and a Coke earlier that day. Keep it all together. We'll sort through what's important.

Get a folder or a notebook to start keeping information together—this is your lifeline. Write down things as you remember them—names, people, places, even if it seems irrelevant. It will come back to you in small parts, and it may take years before your case goes to trial. Make notes about what you did the day in question–what you ate, where you ate, who you saw, what you were wearing, what the weather was like, if there was road work–and ask those who love you to do the same.

Step Four: Stay Out of Trouble.

This should go without saying, but it doesn't.

If you're out on bond, follow every condition. Show up to court. Don't contact people you're not supposed to contact. Stay in touch with me and make sure I always have up to date contact information for you. Work or be productive with your time. Don't post about your case online. If your case stems from drug or alcohol use, go ahead and start working on your sobriety–get help if you need it.

One bad decision doesn't have to turn into two.

So...What Happens Now?

The next steps will depend on the facts of your case. There isn't a one-size-fits-all outcome, which is exactly why having an attorney matters.

The Biggest Mistake I See? Waiting. People often assume they should wait until the week before court to hire an attorney. Please don't.

Important decisions are made long before anyone walks into a courtroom, and critical deadlines can pass within days of an arrest. The sooner we can talk, the sooner we can start protecting your future.

One Last Thing

I've represented people from all walks of life: everyone from teachers to career criminals. People who made one bad choice and people who have made hundreds. People in the wrong place at the wrong time, and people who are wrongfully charged.

An arrest doesn't tell me who you are. It's simply the reason we met. If you've been arrested in Northeast Alabama, let's talk about what comes next—and how we move forward from here.