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Look Ma, I'm Getting Arrested!
robotissues writes "Cnet reviews 'I'm Getting Arrested,' an Android app that alerts your lawyer and loved ones if you have been arrested while peacefully demonstrating. The app makes it easy to broadcast a message via SMS in case all hell breaks loose."
One phone call using a landline at the police station that can only call other landlines within the local area code... and that's after you've had your personal phone confiscated, so if there's anybody you can call that meets those criteria you better have their number memorized.
You haven't spent a lot of time in jail, have you? :) My experience is based on being the good guy, not the bad guy.
There are usually numbers for bail bondsmen posted by the phones. That's who you need to talk to, not your mom, significant other, etc. They want their 10%, so they'll call everyone you ask them to.
You have the right to legal representation. If you cannot afford legal representation, an attorney will be appointed for you. That may have a familiar ring to it. The only thing you should say is "I want a lawyer." It may take a few hours to a day, but one will show up.
You can make calls once you're booked in. The calls are collect, so hopefully the other side will take the calls. It's a good idea that people know where you were going, so they'll already know to accept the charges.
Since the charge is only going to be a minor charge, they'll probably book you, and release you ROR. That is, unless you took a swing at a cop or something. You'll be given a court date, and kicked to the curb.
Regardless if you're being arrested for being annoying, or murder, you're not just dropped into some dark hole that no one will ever hear from you again. You just may not be allowed to leave.
Jails don't generally have the capacity to take in hundreds of people at once, and keep them. They have logistics issues. They may have cells and bunks available. They may not have enough food coming in. So the trivial BS arrests (like these could be), will be processed and released.
Serious? Seriousness is well above my pay grade.