The laws that govern us are changing daily and we can now be arrested under laws that we have never heard of! I have never been arrested, however I have assisted in the cases of many who have.
I want to share my knowledge with you - so that if you or someone you know is arrested you know what to do!
What Can You Be Arrested For?
Laws are rapidly changing across the world. Although I do not want this post to become a catalogue of the ridiculous things you can now be arrested for, here are examples of laws that could affect you:
The United States Computer Fraud and Abuse Act makes it illegal to use a fake name on the Internet
In Thailand placing your foot on a bank note that is blowing away can results in you being prosecuted under lèse- majesty laws which carry a maximum of 15 years in prison.
In Australia you can be issued a "move along order" for participating at a peaceful protest. If you breach that order you can be arrested and prosecuted
In the UK it is apparently illegal to be drunk in a pub
What To Do When You Are Arrested
The laws that can get you arrested are changing daily and we are not informed about those changes. I do not advise that you break any laws but should you do so by accident here is how you should behave:
STAY CALM! - THIS COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
DO NOT RUN! - THIS COULD GET YOU KILLED!
Do Not Resist! - THIS COULD GET YOU KILLED!
If it's possible do not let the police search you.
If you are a foreigner in a country where you can negotiate - NEVER call for your embassy or the press. Negotiate privately if you can.
Be polite : but do not say a word concerning your arrest. Law enforcement officers around the world count on the obsequience of the public. When you are arrested you never have an obligation to speak. Stay calm! Stay polite! If the police really want to speak to you they will do that at the police station.
Don’t believe what the police tell you. They often lie! Police are trained to coerce you into a confession when they know you are scared. In many countries the funding for police stations is directly associated with the arrest rates of that station.
If you are outside your house when you are arrested never take the police back to your home.
If the police come to your home do not let them inside. Even in parts of Asia you are allowed to ask for a witness to be present when they search your house - so the police cannot plant contraband.
Police will always pressure you to make a statement before you have a lawyer - it makes their jobs easier! Never say a word! Sadly in some parts of the world the police can physically abuse you. It is still best not to say anything. Remember everything you say without a lawyer present can work against you. If you are a foreigner to the land remember that police will not lightly physically abuse someone with a foreign embassy to answer to. Stay calm... take whatever comes knowing that if you speak, your misery could be extended for years!
How To Behave If You Are Arrested
I have had many friends arrested all over the world. To the best of my abilities I have assisted them and through these processes I have learnt a lot. Here is what I have learnt. Please use this knowledge at your own risk:
Police are looking to intimidate weak people - if you get the chance show them you are not afraid by lying down and pretend to sleep
Display polite but confident body language
Ask what your rights as soon as possible - and then act on those rights
Ask for water and use of the toilet as soon as possible
Insist on seeing a lawyer - say nothing until you engage a lawyer
Many lawyers are inappropriate - take your time to choose a lawyer you feel confident in
Physical violence is prevalent in police stations and prisons all over the world. If you are beaten you have a choice - tell the police what they want to hear or stay quiet. How badly you are abused will depend on how you behave
If you are taken for an interview which is recorded it is best not to say anything. Sometimes this can antagonise the police. In these cases it is best to say: "I understand the charges against me are serious and I would rather discuss this with a lawyer present."
What Can Happen To You If You Are Arrested?
In the worst event you will be charged and go to court. However if you don't make any statements perhaps you can be let off! In many parts of the world your ability to avoid prosecution can be assisted with money.
If you are in a country where this is possible don't be afraid to negotiate - but don't be manipulated you will always be overcharged in the beginning! The best situation for negotiation is to have a trusted middleman or fixer. This is another entire post itself.
Why Did I Write This?
I believe in liberty!
The laws that govern us change frequently. The majority of our population is not informed about how those changes affect us. To retain our individual sovereignty we must understand these changes in the law and how to deal with law enforcement.
Because of my legal knowledge I often get requests for assistance from around the world. I am always ready to help where I can. If you need my advice please contact me on steemit.chat and I will respond if I can.
I would be most interested to hear your comments on this topic!
Images courtesy of: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
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