We previously covered what to do when you are pulled over by the police and you believe you may be suspected of driving under the influence, but people are obviously arrested for plenty of other crimes aside from drunk driving. Here’s what to do if you are arrested for any other crime according to a top criminal lawyer in Vista.
Stay Silent
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, police are very experienced at getting suspects to say or do things that will help their investigation. It is all too easy for your answers to 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.
Know Your Rights
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.
Be Prepared
Most people are familiar with arrests, bail hearings and trials, but there are many steps in between these occurrences that few people working outside the criminal justice system are aware of. That’s why we put together a helpful guide detailing the entire criminal process. You can find part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4 here.
It’s also worth noting that only a handful of cases even end in trials due to the prevalence of plea bargains. Because plea bargains are so common and the quality of a plea bargain is directly tied to the negotiating skill of your lawyer, it is important you only work with a top Vista criminal defense attorney when you have been accused of a crime.
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
