The first three things to do after a Rhode Island arrest are: stay calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and request a lawyer. Do not try to explain yourself to the officers. Do not consent to any searches. Do not sign anything except the inventory list of your personal belongings during booking. Use your one phone call within the first hour to contact a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer, not friends or family. Your lawyer can contact your family for you. Calling a lawyer first preserves the protected attorney-client conversation and starts the bail and arraignment process immediately.
