Just because you have been arrested and accused of committing a crime, that doesn’t mean that you don’t have rights. In fact, this might be the most important time to know what your rights are! Our Dallas County criminal lawyers can tell you more about what protections you have been offered and will do their best to help you find a way out of this.
Do I Have to Talk to the Police If I’m Arrested?
You do not. In fact, when you are arrested you should be read your Miranda rights. The cops should tell you that you have the right to remain silent and that anything that you say can be used against you in court. This is your signal to stay quiet and invoke your Fifth Amendment right so that you do not incriminate yourself.
You should also be told that you have the right to an attorney. Reach out to one of our lawyers right away and let them do the talking for you.
What Can I Do After I’ve Been Arrested?
You also have the right to make phone calls after you have been arrested. Obviously, talking to a lawyer should be a top priority. Many people also find that they need to contact family members or friends to let them know what’s going on. If you are a caregiver for an adult or child, for example, you may need to give someone else instructions about how to care for your charges temporarily while this all gets sorted out.
It’s also important to know that you have the right to a medical examination. You can request one from a healthcare professional or medical practitioner of your choice. This person can determine whether you are healthy enough to be interviewed and kept with the police.
Finally, you have the right to a fair trial. This means that you are presumed innocent until you are proven guilty. You must be made aware of any charges against you and what evidence the prosecution has.
What If I Was Never Read My Rights?
The police have to read someone their rights when they are arrested. Failing to do so can render any evidence gathered meaningless. If you were not Mirandized and ended up confessing to a crime under intense interrogation, that’s not legal. A lawyer would be able to get that confession thrown out in court.
This is why knowing your rights is so important if you get arrested. Stay silent and let your attorney do all of the talking for you.
Meet With a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you want to learn more about how a defense attorney can help you, contact Iowa Defenders, PLLC. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about what kinds of rights you have when you are arrested and what a lawyer can do to help you protect yourself.
