If you or someone you care about has just been arrested in Rochester NY, you might feel scared, unsure, or even angry. It can be hard to think clearly when you’re facing something so serious. You may not know what’s going to happen next or how to protect yourself. That’s why it’s important to understand that you don’t have to go through this alone. There are people who care and who are ready to help you. At this law firm, we understand how stressful and confusing this time can be, and we are here to stand by you.
Robert Friedman
Michael Ranzenhofer
Sam Alba
Justin Friedman
John Dracup
Why Knowing Your Rights Matters
When you are arrested, what happens next depends a lot on how you respond and whether you know your rights. Many people don’t understand what they can and cannot do in that moment. Some try to explain themselves, hoping to avoid charges, but end up making things worse. Others get treated unfairly without knowing they can say something. That’s why knowing your rights is the first step in protecting yourself.
In Rochester NY, like anywhere else in New York State, the law gives you rights. These rights are there to make sure that you are treated fairly. If you use them the right way, they can make a big difference in how your case turns out.
The Right to Remain Silent
One of the most important things to know is that you do not have to talk to the police after you’re arrested. This is your right. It is called the right to remain silent. You can choose not to answer any questions until you have a lawyer with you. If you say something wrong or something that sounds bad, even if it’s not true, it could be used against you later.
Police may try to get you to talk by acting friendly or making you think talking will help. But it is always better to wait for a lawyer. Just say you want to use your right to stay silent and that you want to talk to a lawyer. That’s all you need to say.
The Right to a Lawyer
You also have the right to a lawyer. This means you can have someone with legal training to help defend you. If you cannot pay for a lawyer, the court will give you one. But you don’t have to wait for the court to assign someone. You can call a law firm that handles arrests in Rochester NY and ask for help right away.
A lawyer can speak for you, protect your rights, and help you understand the charges against you. They can also work to get you released from jail sooner and may help reduce your charges or even get them dropped, depending on the situation.
What Happens After the Arrest
Once you are arrested, the police will usually take you to a station. You may be searched and your things might be taken for now. Then they will take your fingerprints and a photo. After that, you may be put in a holding cell.
In most cases, the next step is something called arraignment. This is when you go before a judge who tells you what you are being charged with. At this time, the judge may also decide whether you can go home or if you need to stay in jail until your court date. This is where having a lawyer starts to make a big difference. A lawyer can speak to the judge for you and explain why you should be released.
Don’t Talk About Your Case with Others
One mistake people make after being arrested is talking about their case with friends or family or posting about it online. This can cause big problems later. Even if you think what you are saying is safe, it could be misunderstood or used against you.
Until your lawyer tells you it’s okay, don’t talk to anyone about your case. Stay quiet and let your lawyer handle it. The fewer people who know what happened, the better it is for you.
What to Do If You Think the Arrest Was Wrong
Sometimes people are arrested by mistake. Maybe the police think you were involved in a crime when you were not. Maybe they didn’t follow the right steps. If you believe something went wrong during your arrest, do not try to fight it there on the street or at the police station. Stay calm, stay silent, and tell your lawyer everything.
Your lawyer can ask the court to throw out any evidence that was collected the wrong way. They can also file complaints if the police treated you unfairly. But if you fight or talk back during the arrest, it can make things worse. Stay calm and focus on getting help from your lawyer as soon as you can.
Staying Calm and Focused
Being arrested can make your mind race. You may want to explain things to clear your name. But this is not the time to argue or try to fix things on your own. Staying calm can help you think more clearly. It can also help you remember the details that may later help your lawyer defend you.
Write down what happened as soon as you can. Try to remember who was there, what was said, and what time everything happened. This can help your lawyer build a strong defense for you.
How a Lawyer Can Help Your Case
A good lawyer doesn’t just show up in court. They work to understand every part of your case. They will look at what the police did, how you were treated, and what the evidence says. They can talk to witnesses and challenge things that don’t add up. They may even be able to speak with the district attorney to try to get charges lowered or dismissed.
Your lawyer is also the one who can explain what will happen next. They can help you make choices that are good for your future. And they will be with you every step of the way, so you are not alone.
Why Every Case Is Different
No two arrests are exactly the same. What works in one case may not work in another. That’s why it’s important to talk to a lawyer who can look at the facts and give you advice that fits your situation. Some people may be facing serious charges that could lead to jail time. Others may be dealing with something that could be cleared up quickly. Either way, it’s important to take it seriously and get the right help.
If You’re a Parent of a Young Person Who Was Arrested
If your child was arrested in Rochester NY, you are probably worried and looking for answers. The good news is that minors have rights too. But the way their cases are handled can be different. A lawyer can help make sure your child’s rights are protected and can speak for your family in court. It’s important to act quickly so your child gets the support they need.
Your Next Steps
If you or someone close to you has been arrested in Rochester NY, the best thing you can do right now is speak to a lawyer who understands the law and cares about your future. Waiting too long can make things harder. You need someone who can start working for you right away, look at every part of your case, and help you take the right steps to protect yourself.
We understand how hard this time is for you. You don’t have to handle it alone. Let someone stand by you and help you find the best path forward.
Call Friedman and Ranzenhofer PC now and let us help you get through this with the care and skill you need. Your rights matter and your future is worth protecting.