1. Call a Lawyer as Soon as Possible
If you are arrested in Alberta for a criminal offence, you should first call a lawyer. The lawyer can:
Explain the criminal process to you
Find out if you have been released on bail and the conditions of your release
Speak to the prosecutor on your behalf
Represent you in court
2. Do Not Sign Anything Without Speaking to a Lawyer First
The police may try to get you to sign a statement or confession. Do not sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first. Doing so may waive your rights or make it harder to defend yourself in court.
3. Be Polite to the Police
It is important to be polite to the police, even if you are innocent. Yelling, swearing, or being rude to the police will not help your case.
If you are arrested, the police will read you your rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer. You should exercise these rights and not say anything to the police until you have spoken to a lawyer.
4. Do Not Resist Arrest
Resisting arrest will only make the situation worse. If you resist arrest, you may be charged with an additional offence.
5. Do Not Give the Police Permission to Search You or Your Belongings
If the police want to search you or your belongings, they must have a warrant. If you are not under arrest, the police cannot search you without your permission.
You should never give the police permission to search you or your belongings. If the police find something they think is evidence of a crime during a search, they may use it against you in court.
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