Know your legal rights: what you should do if you’re arrested in the US

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Arrests may be traumatic and humiliating. You, like any other lawbreaker, might be arrested and imprisoned. It may take many days before you are allowed to appear in court. To prevent being punished for something you did not do, you must be informed of your rights after being detained. 

Criminal court procedures vary by jurisdiction. Please continue reading to discover more about your legal rights. 

The Right to Remain Silent

Your right to remain silent if arrested is fundamental. You are not compelled to reply to any questions posed by police officers, and whatever you say might be used against you in court. It is critical to declare your right to remain silent respectfully and assertively until you have spoken with legal counsel. 

The Right to Know the Charges

The police must notify you before arresting you. The police should notify you of the accusations made against you and provide you with a written notice outlining the charges. To build a powerful defense, you must first comprehend the nature of the accusations.

The Right to Legal Representation

You must have the right to legal representation during the criminal proceedings.

When you show up in court without legal counsel, the judge must allow you a “reasonable time” to find one before proceeding with the case. This “reasonable time” usually lasts a few days. Furthermore, the court is required to tell you of your right to use the telephone or write a letter to get legal counsel without incurring any expenses, as well as to notify a relative of your arrest proceedings. 

If you can’t afford a lawyer, you can ask the court to assign one at your initial court appearance. If you previously waived your right to counsel and now believe you need one, you have the option to use it at this stage.

You may be assigned a member of a legal aid organization, or you may be allowed to employ a private attorney, depending on the existing local strategy for providing legal assistance in such cases. If your municipality has a public defender, they will be assigned to your case.  

The Right to Bail 

A bail amount can be ordered by the court to release you from prison until your trial. When you arrive for the trial, the money will be refunded to you. We merely promise that upon your release from detention, you will appear in court to address the allegations made against you.

For example, the amount of bail that you must pay is decided by a variety of factors, including your criminal past as well as the kind and degree of the offense that you are accused of committing.  For example, you may seek assistance from bail bondsmen in Miami (also known as fiancistas en Miami in the Hispanic community).

The Right to Ask for a Phone Call 

If you find yourself in the police station, request a phone call. You might ask for a phone book or a list of criminal defense lawyers’ phone numbers. It is essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Contacting family should be limited to basic information and encouraged to hire a lawyer on your behalf. You should avoid saying anything incriminating over the phone since authorities can listen to phone calls made by non-lawyers.

The Right to Be Treated Humanely 

If you need medical treatment, you have the right to be treated with dignity and provided with food, shelter, and medical care. You must tell the authorities that you need prescription medication at the moment you are booked into the police station. If the police find your medication, they will confiscate it but are allowed to record the prescription bottle information. If you can’t bring your medication, ask someone to deliver it in the original prescription container with your name. You could also request treatment at the nearest emergency hospital.

Final Words 

No matter your innocence or the police’s abuse of your rights do not argue, challenge, or obstruct the officer. Keep your hands where the officer can see them at all times. 

Make sure you’re free to go by asking. If the officer permits you, proceed calmly and unobtrusively. If you are arrested, you have the right to know why.  

Because you have the right to remain silent, you will not face any consequences if you choose not to answer questions. If you want to keep quiet, make it known to the officer. 

You do not need to express permission for a search of your person or items. Those suspected of carrying a weapon can be searched by police. You have the right to object to a search without physical resistance.  

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.