Attorney Matthew G. Kaestner

Long Beach's Criminal Law Specialist

I'VE BEEN ARRESTED/ACCUSED, WHAT DO I DO?

A: Follow three simple steps.

1) REMAIN SILENT – DO NOT SUBMIT TO A POLICE INTERROGATION. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MATTER OVER ANY PHONE WITH ANYONE!

Even if you've only been accused of a crime or believe the police suspect you, you have an ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT. The police aren't always required to read you your Miranda rights; however you ALWAYS have the right to remain silent.

Of course if you have been arrested, you should always remain silent. Even if you would like the police to know your side of the story, wait for your attorney to tell it. View Long beach criminal attorney Matthew Kaestner's 3 minute video on your right to remain silent. [View video]

Never discuss your case with your family when calling from jail. ALL conversations from a jail facility or during jail visits can and will be recorded.

2) CONTACT A CERTIFIED CRIMINAL LAW SPECIALIST IMMEDIATELY!

Long Beach Criminal Law Specialist Matthew Kaestner will provide immediate, confidential, expert advice to persons who have been arrested.

Persons arrested or their family can contact Long Beach criminal law attorney Matthew Kaestner at (562) 437-0200. Mr. Kaestner also accepts collect calls from jail. Mr. Kaestner is able to provide quick advice over the phone and arrange for an office or jail visit. Same day appointments are available in most instances. Mr. Kaestner can arrange for evening and weekend appointments if needed.

3) POST BAIL OR OBTAIN AN OWN RECOGNIZANCE "OR RELEASE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A CRIMINAL LAW ATTORNEY.

An experienced criminal law attorney can advise you of your chances of obtaining an OR release or a bail reduction. Mr. Kaestner can personally advise you of what you need to do to increase your chances of achieving a bail reduction or O.R. release.

If you need to post bail, bail can be posted in one of three ways:

  • Posting cash. An arrestee will be released if the full amount of the bail is posted in cash or by credit card.
  • Use a licensed bondsman. A bail bondsman will usually require a non-refundable fee of between 8% and 10% of the total bond. Long Beach criminal law lawyer Matthew Kaestner can advise you as to how to obtain bail for the lowest possible fee.
  • By posting a property bond. A property bond requires that a lien be placed on real estate to guarantee the arrested person's appearance in Court. The process is somewhat complicated but can avoid the necessity of paying bondsman a fee to post the bond.

For referrals to licensed bondsmen and further information about bail, property bonds, or releases call Long Beach Criminal Law Specialist Matthew Kaestner at (562) 437-0200.