When you are arrested, it’s important to remember that while the police have the right to detain you, you still have rights of your own. One of the most important rights is your right to silence. No matter what you have been arrested for, you should always invoke your right to silence. Answer questions related to your identity and your home address, but otherwise, ask to speak with your Vista criminal attorney before answering any other questions.
While police questions may seem innocent enough, your answers might be taken in the wrong context and later held against you. It is best to wait until you speak with a legal representative before you start speaking with the police.
You have other rights during an arrest as well. You have the right to hear the charges being brought against you and you have the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. If you don’t know what you are being arrested for, don’t be afraid to ask. If the police show up at your home and ask to look inside, ask to see their warrant and tell them you want to speak to your lawyer. Do not resist any search of your car, person, home or other property, but do not consent to these searches either.
Remember that you have rights, but you can also easily accidentally waive them by answering questions without your Vista criminal lawyer or by inviting the police into your home without a warrant. Do whatever you can to protect your rights during an arrest and insist on speaking with an attorney as soon as possible. At your first available opportunity, call (760) 643-4050 to speak with Peter M. Liss.
Creative Commons Image by Nevele Osteog
