Understanding the Importance of Respect During an Arrest
Let’s say you’ve been arrested. How important is it for you to be respectful to the police officers who are arresting you? Hi, my name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal defense attorney with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for almost eight years now.
Today, I want to break things down and make law easy to understand by talking about what to do — and how to act — after you’ve been arrested. A lot of this comes down to common sense, but let’s be real: common sense isn’t always so common in these situations.
The Role of Courtesy in an Arrest
The biggest piece of advice? Be respectful to law enforcement. Now, I get it — if you’ve just been arrested, you probably don’t believe you should have been. Many of my clients aren’t even in the right frame of mind during an arrest, so expecting them to be on their best behavior can feel unrealistic. But here’s what you need to remember: officers are people, too. They’re just trying to get through their shift, the same way you try to get through yours.
At this point, you’re already in custody, being booked and processed. You’re not getting out until a judge says so. The officers handling your booking? They’re not the ones who arrested you, and they’re not the ones who can release you. So, there’s no benefit in being combative. You don’t have to be overly friendly, but at the very least, show some basic courtesy — yes, sir, no, ma’am, follow instructions, and don’t make their job harder than it needs to be.
Long-Term Benefits of Respectful Behavior
The reality is that the level of respect and decency you show will often be returned. It won’t make the charges disappear, but it can make the process smoother and even help in the long run. If you have questions about how to handle this situation, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help.
My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa incarceration attorney here with Wirth Law Office, and I want to help you make law easy.
Schedule Your Strategy Session – Your First Step
If you or a loved one have been arrested and need legal guidance, please reach out to us for a low-cost initial strategy session. Call us today at 918-879-1681 to discuss your situation and explore your options. We are here to assist you in navigating through these challenging times.
