San Diego Criminal Arrest Lawyer
What to Do if Arrested in San Diego
Getting arrested can leave you with overwhelming feelings of powerlessness, fear and anxiety. It can happen suddenly and without warning, and once you’re in handcuffs, the entire situation feels out of your control. Whether you’re being accused of a DUI, a theft offense, or something more serious, the choices you make in those first moments can have a major impact on the rest of your case.
At the Law Office of Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., we help people who’ve been arrested throughout San Diego County. As a former Public Defender and experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer, Anthony understands the chaos that follows an arrest and knows how to restore calm and control to a stressful situation. If you or someone you care about has been arrested, here’s what you need to know.
Stay Calm and Stay Silent
When you’re arrested, your instinct might be to explain yourself, argue with the officer, or try to talk your way out of the situation. But that can do more harm than good. The smartest thing you can do is stay calm and exercise your right to remain silent.
You are not legally required to answer police questions (except for basic identifying information like your name and date of birth), and you should not feel pressured to talk just because an officer is standing in front of you. Instead, clearly say: “I want to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”
From that point forward, do not answer any questions about the incident, your whereabouts, or anything else related to the case until you’ve had a chance to consult with an attorney.
Don’t Resist, Even If the Arrest Is Wrong
Even if you believe the arrest is unjust or based on a misunderstanding, do not resist. Physically resisting arrest—even passively—can result in additional charges like resisting arrest or obstructing a peace officer. Keep your hands visible, avoid sudden movements, and comply with instructions. Let your attorney challenge the legality of the arrest later.
Anthony Vargas represents individuals who were wrongly arrested or charged based on flimsy or false allegations. The courtroom—not the street—is the place to fight back.
Know Your Rights After an Arrest
As a person accused of a crime, you have important constitutional rights, including:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to an attorney
- The right to a phone call
- Protection from unreasonable searches
- The right to be informed of the charges against you
- The right to a prompt arraignment
If the police violate these rights—by coercing a confession, searching beyond legal bounds, or denying your request for a lawyer—your attorney may be able to get evidence suppressed or charges dismissed.
Anthony examines every case for constitutional violations and will fight to make sure your rights are protected at every step.
After the Arrest: Booking, Bail & Arraignment
After the arrest, you’ll typically be taken to a local jail for booking, where your photo, fingerprints, and basic information are recorded. You may then be held in custody until your arraignment, or released on bail or your own recognizance (OR) depending on the charges.
The arraignment is your first court appearance, where the charges are read and you enter a plea. It’s important to have an attorney on your side before this hearing. Anthony often steps in quickly to:
- Request lower bail or OR release
- Negotiate with prosecutors early
- Begin investigating the facts of the case
- Prevent the client from saying or doing anything that might harm their defense
The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better the chances of getting a favorable outcome—whether that means a dismissal, reduced charges, or a strong position for trial.
Don’t Talk to the Police Without a Lawyer
Police may try to question you after the arrest—sometimes even before you’ve seen a judge. They might say they “just want to hear your side of the story,” or suggest that cooperating will help your case. It won’t.
Anything you say can and will be used against you. Even casual conversations or offhand comments can end up in a police report or court transcript. You’re not being rude or uncooperative by asking for a lawyer—you’re protecting yourself.
Anthony regularly steps in to stop interrogations and make sure the police don’t twist a client’s words or push for a confession. Once you say you want an attorney, the questioning must stop.
Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
If you’ve been arrested—or if someone you care about has been taken into custody—contact a criminal defense lawyer right away. The earlier you involve legal counsel, the more options you have to fight the case, protect your rights, and avoid making costly mistakes.
Anthony Vargas is a trusted and experienced San Diego criminal defense lawyer who handles all types of charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies. As a former Public Defender, he understands how the system works—and how to defend clients at every stage, from arrest through trial.
He brings calm, clarity, and confidence to difficult situations, giving you the peace of mind that your case is in the hands of one of San Diego’s finest defense attorneys.
Arrested in San Diego? Call Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq.
The time after an arrest may seem full of uncertainty—but you aren’t alone. Anthony Z. Vargas, Esq., Attorney at Law, will take swift action to protect your rights, secure your release, and build the strongest possible defense.
If you’ve been arrested in San Diego County, call now for immediate assistance. San Diego criminal arrest lawyer Anthony Vargas will review your case, explain your options, and start working on your defense right away.