Some criminal-law situations don’t wait. A recent arrest, an ongoing police investigation, a search warrant being served, a court date in the next few days — these are situations where the right move is talking to a defense lawyer immediately, not “soon.” This page is about what to do in those moments.
This page is general information for emergency situations, not legal advice for any specific case.
If you’ve just been arrested
The first 24-48 hours are the most important window. The short list:
- Don’t talk to police about the case. Not in the squad car, not at booking, not in the holding cell. Ask for a lawyer and stay quiet.
- Post bond if you can. Being out makes everything easier.
- Don’t talk on detention-facility phones. Calls are recorded.
- Don’t post on social media. Anything you post can be used as evidence.
- Call a defense lawyer. Many offer after-hours or weekend consultations for emergencies.
See the what to do after being arrested guide for the full version.
If police want to question you
If a detective wants to talk to you — even “to clear something up” — call a defense lawyer before saying anything. The standard script:
“I’d like to be cooperative. Before I answer any questions, I’d like to talk to a lawyer.”
That’s it. Repeat as many times as needed. See the should I talk to police guide for more.
If you have a court date in the next few days
The realistic options:
- Same-day or next-day consultation with a defense lawyer — most will accommodate
- Continuance request — a defense lawyer can sometimes file to push the court date out, giving time to prepare
- Showing up unrepresented — usually the worst option, because what you say or stipulate to at the first appearance can lock in the case posture
The right move is calling a defense lawyer first thing in the morning, today.
If a search warrant is being served
If law enforcement is at your door with a warrant:
- Cooperate physically. Don’t resist, don’t obstruct.
- Don’t answer questions beyond identifying yourself.
- Ask to see the warrant — politely, briefly.
- Don’t consent to any search beyond what the warrant authorizes.
- Don’t make statements about the underlying conduct. Even “I don’t know what you’re talking about” can be parsed at trial.
- Call a defense lawyer as soon as practical — typically after the search is complete.
If you’ve just learned you’re under investigation
Pre-charge involvement is the highest-leverage window for a defense lawyer. If you’ve been contacted by an investigator, a prosecutor’s office, or you have reason to believe you’re being investigated:
- Don’t reach out to anyone connected to the alleged conduct. Don’t contact alleged victims, witnesses, or potential co-defendants.
- Don’t delete anything. Texts, emails, social media, voicemails, photos.
- Don’t talk to investigators without a defense lawyer.
- Call a defense lawyer today.
How to find an emergency consultation
Most KC-metro defense lawyers list emergency or after-hours contact information on their websites, and many answer urgent calls outside business hours. The first call should happen as soon as possible — not when business hours resume.
Contact a licensed Missouri or Kansas criminal defense attorney directly. Most offer a free initial consultation, and many prioritize urgent matters (recent arrest, imminent court date, active investigation). See our guide on choosing a criminal defense lawyer for what to look for.
Common questions
What counts as 'emergency'?
Recent arrest (last 24-48 hours), being questioned by police, a court date in the next few days, an active investigation you've just learned about, or a search warrant being served. Time is the critical variable.
Will a lawyer take an emergency call after hours?
Many defense lawyers do. Even if the lawyer can't fully consult after hours, getting a quick read on the immediate situation (don't talk to police, post bond, preserve evidence) can change the entire trajectory of the case.
What if I can't afford a lawyer right now?
Even an emergency consultation is typically free. Retaining can come later; the urgent move is talking to a lawyer immediately. Many also offer payment plans.