Yes, whenever possible before communicating with the police and or as soon as police make an arrest, it is best to speak with an attorney. An attorney will help protect your rights. For example, even if the police want to ask you questions about an incident they are investigating, you should not speak with police without first speaking with an Attorney, no matter what the police may say to convince you to talk to them.
You or your parent may contact The Legal Aid Society office in your borough to get advice about what to do.
If an arrest is unavoidable, one of our attorneys can help to navigate that process with the police.
For example, if the police are requesting that you come to the precinct, one of our Attorneys can go with you or call in advance to invoke your right to have an attorney present before any questioning or line-up.
If you do not get legal advice before an arrest is made, and you are brought to court, an Attorney will be appointed to represent you in court.