Atticus would refuse to turn against a friend or someone who had a mistake. He would give them the chance to get away or redeem themselves as he spent time in custody.  The consequences didn't matter at all. Refusing to cooperate at all, and just sitting there no matter what they did. Threats, attacks.. Even if they threatened to make him disappear.

It could be the law, military or worse

Most of the time he was eventually released or broken out. Every time he would be completely okay with his decison.