If you are arrested while abroad for any reason, it is important that you know what the U.S. government CAN and CANNOT do for you.
 
The U.S. Consular Office CAN:

• Visit you in jail after being notified of your arrest
• Give you a list of local attorneys (the U.S. government cannot assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of these individuals or recommend a particular attorney)
• Notify your family and/or friends and relay requests for money or other aid - but only with your authorization
• Intercede with local authorities to make sure that your rights under local laws are fully observed and that you are treated humanely, according to internationally-accepted standards
• Protest mistreatment or abuse to the appropriate authorities

 
The U.S. Consular Office CANNOT: 

• Demand your immediate release or get you out of jail or the country
• Represent you at trial or give legal counsel
• Pay legal fees and/or fines with U.S. government funds

 
Additional information can be found on the US State Department’s website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html