Here’s what to do in these important, urgent situations

I was just arrested. What do I do?

Don’t consent to questioning without a lawyer by your side.

What to do if you are arrested:

• Say that you wish to remain silent. Understand your Miranda Rights.

• Ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t try to explain or give excuses.

• Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.

• If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen to your call to a lawyer. They can and often do listen if you call anyone else - a relative or friend.

• Stay calm. Don’t run, resist, or obstruct the officers.

• Always keep your hands where the police can see them.

• Do not lie or give fake ID or documents.

Attorney Mike Rusconi has represented clients accused of both misdemeanor and felony criminal charges in courts all over the Commonwealth. He offers free initial consultations and can be reached at: (617) 934-4277.

I was just in a motor vehicle accident. What now?

Immediate Steps to Take after a Motor Vehicle Accident

1. Get off the Road and stop. Absolutely do not leave the scene! Protect the area from additional impacts. Put on flashers if dark or bad weather. Stay off the road.

2. Don't apologize. Don’t admit fault or assign blame to others. Try to stay calm.

3. See if anyone is injured and make sure they get medical attention. DO NOT refuse medical attention yourself. If you struck your head or feel dizzy you MUST be seen by a doctor. In many, if not most cases, people are injured but due to the shock of being in an accident, do not realize right away that they are injured. Injuries can show up later.

4. Call 911 If there is substantial damage to a vehicle or property or if anyone is injured. When police arrive they will file a report noting driver and vehicle information, any injuries, damage and any special conditions. Tell Police officer exactly what happened to the best of your ability. Ask for the Police Report Number.

5. Cooperate with the Police as they investigate the accident. Let them do their job. For instance, they will decide whether or not vehicles are towed. If you are cited or charged with a crime, provide basic info and accident details - but do not make any formal statements or admit blame until you have consulted with an Attorney.

6. Exchange name, address, phone number and Insurance Company information with the other driver(s) and get contact info from any witnesses. If police do not arrive you can go to the nearest police station and file a report yourself.

7. Take Photos of the scene of the accident and damage to the vehicles, if safe. In addition to damage to vehicles, try to get as photos of the scene of the crash, the location including signs, traffic signals and landmarks, and weather conditions – such as snow or ice, or any potholes, foreign objects in the road etc. Get photos of license plates. Some cameras record date and time and even GPS location. You can photograph your injuries and other people's also (with their permission). If the accident caused damage to private property, such as a building, photograph that as well.

8. Report the accident to your insurance company but do not make or sign formal statements until you have consulted an attorney. Do not discuss or assign blame or assess severity of anyone’s injuries. Remember - many facts are still unknown at this point.

9. Report your Accident to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles - Within five (5) days,

10. Protect your rights! Contact an attorney right away - especially if anyone was injury or any more than the slightest damage to the vehicles (such as a scratch or scrape).

You will need an attorney who knows Massachusetts accident and injury laws, someone who knows how best to deal with insurance companies (and also any charges you may be facing as a result of the accident). In most cases, and definitely if there are injuries to you or anyone else, or any auto or property damage beyond slight dings or scratches, you should consult an experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney right away.

Contact a trusted attorney

Even in what appears to be a minor matter, before speaking with police or investigators or making any other legal decisions - always speak to an attorney.  

And while you are waiting for your attorney to come to your assistance, try to remain as calm as possible. Remember that just because you have been arrested does not mean you will be convicted.  Under our system of justice, you are innocent until proven guilty.  The prosecutor will have to prove the case against you – beyond a reasonable doubt.   

If you have an experienced criminal lawyer such as Attorney Michael S. Rusconi on your side, you will have an edge.  We knows how to evaluate evidence. Because of our experience as a prosecutor, we know how the prosecution will likely build their case against you. We also knows what defenses are effective and what strategies are available to counteract the forces trying to convict you.  Working for you, listening to your story and honoring your wishes,  Attorney Rusconi will make every effort to balance the scales of justice, as he puts together the best possible defense of your case.  Whether you are faced with a misdemeanor charge or a serious felony, with Attorney Rusconi by your side, you will have a skilled defense attorney who will fight for you.

Call Attorney Rusconi for help, or if not urgent, contact us below.