How Do You Find a Good Lawyer if You're Arrested and Put in Jail

[evident]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: WA

If for some reason I get arrested, what is the recommended procedure to find and hire a good lawyer while being detained?
Don't ask me arrested for what, because I have no idea. Most likely police mistake.

I guess this can be split into two questions: how much time and what methods (phone calls? email?) would the police give me to find a lawyer? And how do I come up with a lawyer/law firm to call out of the blue? Should I google for the top criminal law firm in the area? Assuming I'm allowed access to a computer or my smartphone.

Is it a good idea to ask for a public defender, and then ask the public defender to help find a good private lawyer?

[LegalWriter]

If you are arrested and in custody, you will not have access to your cell phone or the internet. You will be able to make a call and it should be to your family to arrange bail. Then you can find an attorney. If you can't afford one, then you ask for the public defender.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Read this. If you're in jail your ability to find a good lawyer may be limited, in which case you can consider enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member.

If you are indigent such that you qualify for a court-appointed lawyer or public defender, there is no reason not to meet with your lawyer before deciding if you want to try to somehow raise the money to hire a private lawyer.

[ijcaff97]

Again, what do they tell you when you get arrested? "You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law, you have the right to an attorney, if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to your case..."

[flyingron]

A public defender is not some default for people who are unwilling to pay for private counsel. It is for those who are indigent and can not afford to do so.

If you have friends or family you can trust, you can help them get you bailed out (this may take an attorney to help depending on what you are charged with).
Then you can start looking for an attorney to actually handle the criminal charges.

Oddly enough, you will get junk postcards from attorneys who scan the arrest records. These are usually aren't the ones you really want if you want a top notch counsel. As with most personal services, the number one way to find a good attorney is to get referrals, preferably from people you trust.

[Guybrush]

If for some reason I get arrested, what is the recommended procedure to find and hire a good lawyer while being detained?
Don't ask me arrested for what, because I have no idea. Most likely police mistake.

A good question, and you've already received good answers, so I will avoid repeating what others have said. But I am curious; Are you anticipating getting arrested for a police mistake? Or is this just a hypothetical question?