Getting arrested is a stressful experience, and many people are unsure of how to act or what to do next. First, even if you believe an arrest is unlawful, you should never physically resist the arrest or try to flee. If the arrest violated your rights, your defense lawyer can argue this as part of your criminal case. However, if you resist, you could end up facing additional and more serious charges.
Next, you should remain calm and polite, and give the police the basic information they need for the booking process. You should not, on the other hand, give them any additional information about the suspected criminal offense. Officers might try to make promises or assure you that they will help you if you answer their questions – do not believe them. It is best to exercise your rights while you are in custody.
Know Your Miranda Rights
Police officers are required to inform you of your Miranda rights before they ask any questions while you are under arrest. If you are under custodial interrogation, you have the:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to speak with an attorney
Many people think that exercising these rights might make them appear guilty, though doing so cannot be used against you in a future criminal case. You should always clearly tell officers that you are invoking your rights, and they should not question you any further until you have an attorney present. If you choose to speak to the police, there is the chance you will unintentionally say something that they can use against you – even if you are innocent. Instead, contact an Alabama criminal defense attorney who is ready to help you at any time.
Facing Criminal Charges
If charges are issued, you will either be released with a summons (you might also receive a summons in the mail at a later date), or you will need to post bond. Also known as bail, bond is an amount you have to pay to be released from jail. If your bond is unfairly high, your defense lawyer can represent you at a bail hearing.
Once the criminal process is underway, you can expect an arraignment and additional hearings before the court. These hearings allow you to plead not guilty or guilty to the charges. It is never wise to plead guilty to any offense – even a seemingly minor one – without first speaking to an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Pleading guilty without an attorney can result in overly harsh and unexpected consequences.
The right criminal defense lawyer can identify the best defense strategy in your case, whether that involves fighting to drop your charges, negotiating a favorable plea deal, or challenging the charges at trial.
Speak with a Montgomery Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away
If you are arrested, you should do your best to stay calm, invoke your rights, and call Alabama criminal defense lawyer Terry Luck immediately. Luck Law can help with every step of your criminal case, so please contact us online or call 334-262-5455 today.
No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
