The police are always watching, sometimes even when you don’t know they’re there. They could be waiting for the perfect moment to arrest someone they think is a criminal. However, what if you get arrested? Should you give up and do what the police say? Absolutely not!
You have rights, and it’s important to know them so you can protect yourself from being wrongfully arrested or taken advantage of by authorities. Read on to learn more about your rights when you are arrested in the United States today.
You have the right to remain silent: This is probably one of the most well-known rights that people have when they are arrested. You do not have to answer the police’s questions, and you can request a lawyer if you wish. You can also remain silent even if you are not under arrest. In other words, you don’t have to talk to the police just because they stop you on the street and ask what you’re doing. Remember, anything you say can be used against you in court, so it’s best to keep your mouth shut until you’ve talked to an attorney.
You have the right to a lawyer: You may not know it, but you can ask for a lawyer if you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of being arrested. The court also provides attorneys to those who cannot afford them at all. You should always take advantage of this service. You will definitely need someone on your side when it comes time to defend yourself against criminal charges and accusations.
You do not have the right to resist arrest: Many people think that they have the right to resist arrest, but in reality they do not. If you try to defend yourself or run from the police, you could face additional criminal charges on top of the charges you are already charged with. It’s best to accept the arrest and save yourself some trouble. You can always dispute any charges later in court.
You have the right to privacy: One of the most important rights you have when you are arrested is the right to privacy. Police cannot search you or your belongings without a warrant unless they have probable cause to believe you are carrying drugs or weapons.
If the police search you or your belongings without a warrant, any evidence they find may be disregarded. Be sure to keep this in mind if you ever find yourself in this situation.
You have the right to make a phone call: Another important right you have when you are arrested is the right to make a phone call. This applies whether you are in jail or just being questioned by the police. You can use this phone call to contact a friend or family member, and you can also use it to contact an attorney. Do not hesitate to make use of this right if you need it.
Knowing your rights is essential to navigating the criminal justice system without any difficulty. If any of these rights are violated, be sure to tell your attorney.