The police are always watching, sometimes even when you don’t know they’re there. They might be waiting for the perfect moment to arrest someone who they think is a criminal. However, what happens if you get arrested? Should you just give up and do whatever the cops say? Absolutely not!
You have rights, and it’s important that you know them so that you can protect yourself from being wrongly arrested or taken advantage of by authorities. Read on to learn more about your rights when arrested in America today.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent: This is probably one of the most well-known rights that people have when arrested. You don’t have to answer any questions posed by the police, and you can ask for a lawyer if you want. 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 up to. 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 an Attorney: You might not know this, but you can ask for a lawyer if you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of being arrested. The court also provides lawyers to those who absolutely cannot afford one. 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 Don’t Have the Right to Resist Arrest: Many people think that they have the right to resist arrest, but this is not actually the case. If you try to fight back or run away from the police, you could be facing additional criminal charges on top of whatever you’re already being charged with. It’s best to just go along with 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 that you have when arrested is the right to privacy. The police cannot search you or your belongings without a warrant unless they have probable cause to believe that you’re carrying drugs or weapons.
If the police do search you or your belongings without a warrant, any evidence found can be thrown out of court. Make 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 that you have when arrested is the right to make a phone call. This applies whether you’re 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 reach out to an attorney. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this right if you need to.
Knowing your rights is essential for navigating the criminal justice system without any difficulties. If any of these rights are violated, make sure you report them to your attorney.
