What you do and say in the moments after you are arrested in Orlando can be crucial to the outcome of your case. That’s because being arrested is an incredibly stressful experience. Your heart is racing. You’re confused. Police are asking questions. You might feel panicked or ashamed.
Stop. Take a breath.
What you say and do in the next few hours will affect your case for years. Some mistakes can’t be undone. But if you know what to do right now, you can protect yourself.
This guide walks you through exactly what happens if you get arrested in Orlando and what you should do to protect your rights. Whether you’re arrested for DUI, drug possession, or any other charge, these steps apply to you.
If you get arrested in Orlando, call 407-644-2466 to speak with an experienced and aggressive Orlando criminal defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm. We’re available to discuss your case immediately.
What Happens Immediately After You’re Arrested in Orlando
When you are arrested in Orlando, they follow a process. Understanding it helps you know what comes next.
At the Scene:
Police will read you your Miranda rights (your right to remain silent, your right to an attorney). You might be handcuffed, searched, and placed in a police car. This is standard procedure. Don’t resist—it will only make your situation worse.
At the Police Station:
You’ll be taken to an Orlando Police Department precinct or the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Police will book you. This means they record your personal information, photograph you, and take your fingerprints. You’ll be placed in a holding cell.
During Booking:
Police may try to ask you questions about the arrest. They might seem friendly. They might tell you you’re better off just cooperating and answering their questions. Don’t believe it.
Here’s the hard truth: Everything you say can and will be used against you in court. Innocent-sounding explanations often hurt your case later.
The next section explains what you should do right now.
Your Rights When Arrested in Orlando
You have constitutional rights, even after arrest. Law enforcement must respect them. Know them. Use them.
1. The Right to Remain Silent
You can stay completely silent. You don’t have to answer any questions—about anything. Not what they say you did, not what you’ve been doing or where you’ve been.
Police will pressure you. They’ll say:
- “This will be easier if you just tell us what happened.”
- “Everyone else is talking.”
- “We already know what you did.”
- “Help yourself out here.”
Ignore it. Talking does not help you. Ever.
You can politely say: “I want to speak with an attorney before I answer any questions.”
Then stop talking. Completely.
If you’ve been arrested in Orlando, don’t think you can talk your way out of it; don’t try. Criminal defense attorneys see clients arrested in Orlando destroy their own cases by talking to police. Don’t be that person.
2. The Right to an Attorney
Once you ask for an attorney, police must stop questioning you.
If you cannot afford an attorney after being arrested in Orlando, you have the right to a public defender. However, public defenders in Orange County are overworked. They typically have 100+ cases. The Rivas Law Firm provides personal attention. José Rivas, with over 20 years of criminal defense experience in Central Florida courts, handles each case directly.
If you have any way to hire a private attorney, do it.
3. The Right to Know Why You’re Arrested
Police must tell you what crime you’re accused of. If they don’t, ask. But once you know, exercise your right to remain silent.
4. The Right to a Phone Call
After booking, you can make a phone call. Call a family member, friend, or attorney—not the police. This call is usually monitored, so assume it’s not private. Don’t discuss your case in detail on the phone.
Call someone who can help you get bail money or find an attorney. That’s it.
What You Should Do Right Now
Step 1: Stop Talking (This Is the Most Important Step)
Don’t talk to police. Don’t talk to cellmates or fellow inmates (some are informants). Don’t post anything on social media. Don’t call anyone and brag or confess.
Everything you say can be used against you.
If police ask questions, say clearly and calmly: “I want to speak with an attorney. I’m not answering questions without my lawyer present.”
Then don’t answer another question. Not one.
Step 2: Request an Attorney Immediately
Tell the police you want to speak with an attorney. Say it out loud so it’s clear. Police must honor this request.
If you can afford a private attorney, this is the time to call one. Call a family member with money and have them contact an attorney immediately. The faster you get legal representation, the faster we can protect your rights.
The Rivas Law Firm responds quickly to arrest situations. José Rivas and his bilingual team can often reach clients within hours of arrest to discuss your situation and next steps.
Step 3: Prepare for Your First Court Appearance
After being arrested in Orlando, you’ll be taken before a judge within 24 hours (sometimes sooner). This is your first appearance or “initial appearance.”
At this hearing, the judge will:
- Confirm your identity
- Tell you what charge(s) you face
- Inform you of your rights
- Decide your bail (or release conditions)
Don’t try to explain yourself to the judge. Don’t testify. Just listen. Your attorney will handle everything.
Step 4: Cooperate with Booking but Say Nothing
During booking, you must provide:
- Your real name and date of birth
- Your address
- Emergency contact information
You don’t have to answer questions beyond this. If police ask, “Where were you last night?” or “Do you use drugs?”—say nothing. Booking officers will try to get you talking. Don’t fall for it.
Step 5: Don’t Agree to Searches or Consent
If police ask, “Can we search your car/phone/home?” say: “I do not consent to any searches without a warrant.”
Say it clearly. Write it down if you can. Don’t be rude, but be firm.
Searches conducted without your consent or a warrant may be illegal. Illegal searches can mean evidence gets thrown out and charges get dismissed.
Step 6: Get Contact Information for a Criminal Attorney in Orlando
If you don’t already have an attorney, use your phone call to find an attorney who can help you immediately.
The Rivas Law Firm is a bilingual criminal defense firm with over 20 years of experience in Orange County courts. We handle DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, and all types of criminal charges.
Call 407-644-2466 as soon as possible for a free consultation. Our team can often discuss your situation immediately and advise you on your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions When Arrested in Orlando
Q: If I’m arrested, should I immediately ask for a lawyer?
A: Yes. The moment police start asking questions, say you want an attorney. Don’t wait. Don’t try to explain. Just ask for a lawyer and then stay silent.
Q: What if I can’t afford bail?
A: When you are arrested in Orlando, your first appearance is within 24 hours. At that hearing, you can ask the judge to lower bail or release you on your own recognizance (your promise to return to court). An attorney can argue for lower bail on your behalf. Many cases result in release without bail or with affordable bail amounts.
Q: Will asking for a lawyer make me look guilty?
A: No. It’s your constitutional right. Smart, innocent people ask for attorneys immediately. Guilty people confess to police without a lawyer. Ask for your attorney.
Q: What’s the difference between a public defender and a private attorney?
A: Public defenders are appointed by the court at no cost if you can’t afford an attorney. They’re often excellent lawyers, but they handle 100+ cases simultaneously. Private attorneys like José Rivas at the Rivas Law Firm typically handle far fewer cases and can give your case more personal attention.
Q: Can I be arrested at my home?
A: Yes, police can arrest you at home if they have an arrest warrant. If they don’t have a warrant and show up at your door, you can refuse entry unless they have a search warrant. Say clearly: “I do not consent to a search of my home.” Don’t physically resist. Let them leave or get a warrant.
Q: What happens if I was arrested out of state?
A: If you were arrested outside Florida, different laws may apply. Contact an Orlando criminal attorney immediately. Extradition laws vary, and your options depend on the state where the alleged crime occurred.
What Happens After Your Arrest: The Next Steps
Your arrest is just the beginning of your case. Here’s what comes next:
Within 24 hours: First appearance before a judge. Bail decision made.
Days/weeks later: Arraignment. You enter a plea (guilty or not guilty). Discovery process begins (your attorney receives police reports, witness statements, evidence).
Weeks/months later: Negotiations with the state attorney. Possible plea offers or trial preparation.
Months/years later (if you go to trial): Trial before a judge or jury. Verdict. Sentencing (if convicted).
Your attorney’s job is to protect your rights every step of the way. Good representation can mean:
- Charges dismissed entirely
- Charges reduced to lesser offenses
- Jail time avoided or minimized
- Conviction records sealed or expunged
- The earlier you hire an attorney, the more options are available. Some cases are won before trial through good investigation and negotiation.
The Rivas Law Firm is bilingual. If English isn’t your first language, that’s not a problem. We speak Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese fluently and understand the unique pressures and concerns of Spanish-speaking clients facing arrest in Florida.
Your Next Step: Call an Attorney Today
If you’ve been arrested in Orlando, the most important decision you can make right now is hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Rivas Law Firm offers:
- Immediate response: We often discuss your situation within hours of arrest
- Free consultation: No cost to discuss your case and options
- Bilingual service: Hablamos Español
- 20+ years of experience: José Rivas has defended hundreds of clients in Orange County courts
- Personalized attention: You work directly with José Rivas, not a paralegal or junior attorney
Don’t face this alone. Don’t rely on public defenders who are overwhelmed with cases. Get an experienced, aggressive Orlando criminal defense attorney to protect your rights immediately.
Call 407-644-2466 to speak with an experienced and aggressive Orlando criminal defense attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.
If you’ve been arrested in Orlando, we’re ready to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.
