If you’re reading this from a phone in a holding area, or you’ve just gotten a call from someone who is, here’s what actually matters right now.
Say as little as possible
You have the right to remain silent, and this is the moment that right matters most. Give officers your name and basic identifying information. Beyond that, you don’t have to explain, justify, or defend anything. Anything said in the first hour after an arrest, however innocent it feels in the moment, can end up shaping the case against you.
“I’ll explain everything, I just need to tell my side” is a natural instinct. It’s also one of the most common ways people unintentionally damage their own case before a lawyer is even involved.
Ask for a phone call, and use it wisely
You’re generally entitled to make a phone call after booking. Use it to reach someone who can either contact a lawyer on your behalf or start that process themselves. This isn’t the moment to call everyone you know to explain what happened. One focused call, aimed at getting you legal help, matters more than several calls aimed at managing what people think.
Don’t discuss the case with other people in custody
It’s tempting to talk through what happened with someone else who’s waiting nearby. Don’t. Conversations in custody aren’t private the way you might assume, and details shared casually can resurface in ways you didn’t expect.
Know what happens next
After arrest, Texas law requires that you be brought before a magistrate, who will inform you of the charges and address bond. This isn’t the same as meeting with a defense attorney, and it isn’t the moment to explain your side of the story either. It’s a procedural step, not your chance to argue the case.
Bond conditions set at this stage can include restrictions on contact, travel, or specific locations. Pay close attention to any conditions you’re given, because violating them, even unintentionally, can create a separate problem on top of the original charge.
Contact a defense lawyer as early as possible
The earlier a lawyer gets involved, the more options are usually still open. Evidence can be reviewed before assumptions harden. Bond conditions can sometimes be addressed. The full picture of what happened, not just the arresting officer’s version, can start getting documented while details are fresh.
You don’t need to have your story fully organized before you call. You need to make the call. Once you’ve reached us, our guide on what happens at a first criminal defense consultation walks through what to expect next.
If you or someone you know has been arrested in Collin County, contact Lewis & Ashworth immediately. We’re available to talk through the situation and the immediate next steps.
This article uses general legal information for educational purposes. It is not a substitute for individualized legal advice. Contact Lewis & Ashworth to discuss your specific situation.