Arrests can be terrifying for anyone. Knowing your rights can help make the process easier and keep you from incriminating yourself unknowingly.
No one plans on getting arrested. Therefore, if you do, it is important to know what your rights are and how to handle the situation. First, it is important to understand that when someone is arrested by the police, it does not mean that they are automatically a criminal. Many people make the mistake of thinking that an arrest means “guilty of a crime.” That simply is not true. While police may suspect someone with reasonable suspicion, it does not mean that person has actually done anything wrong.
One of the most important things to remember when getting arrested is to simply remain calm. While getting arrested can be terrifying for some people, trying to fight verbally or physically is going to make your situation even worse than it already is. There are legal actions against someone who is resisting arrest. Therefore, the best thing to do is remain calm and do what the officer is telling you.
What Are Your Miranda Rights
We have all heard the famous lines, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. You have the right to an attorney.” The reason why we hear those words every time someone gets arrested is that police are legally obligated to inform people of their rights. If a police officer fails to read someone their Miranda Rights, the prosecutor may not be able to use anything that the defendant says as evidence in court.
The full Miranda Rights are:
- You are allowed to remain silent.
- Anything said or done can be used in court.
- You may have a lawyer present during any questioning.
- A lawyer will be appointed if you cannot afford one.
Therefore, if you have been arrested, you do not have to answer the authority’s questions. That is our Fifth Amendment right. In fact, many would advise that you do not speak until your lawyer is present. Too many people have made the mistake of saying said it gets used against them. If you feel that a police officer is pressuring you to answer questions, you can simply tell them you are going to remain silent and that you want an attorney.
Once your lawyer is present, you and your lawyer can discuss how to proceed.
You don’t have to sit in jail. Give us a call, and we can help.
What Happens After the Arrest?
After you have been arrested, the police will typically take you to the police station for the booking process. From there, the police will give you the opportunity to contact someone. This is where you can contact a family member, your lawyer if you have one, or even a bail bondsman such as ASAP Bail Bonds. In some cases, the police may not allow your phone call until the booking process is complete. The police should inform you of why you are being arrested, and they may require you to give a DNA sample, have a mug shot taken, participate in a lineup, and get fingerprinted.
Once you have been through the arresting process, you might find yourself in jail. The only way to get out of jail may be to post bail. ASAP Bail Bonds can help you post your bail and get you out fast. Give us a call, or fill out our online form for a quote. We can help walk you through the whole process.