Criminal Defense Lawyer
Rarely does anyone plan on actually being arrested, but all of us should have an understanding of our legal rights, what an arrest procedure is like, and what we can do to protect our best interest if we are placed into handcuffs. As a criminal defense lawyer residents depend on at the Law Group of Iowa has explained to clients, every citizen has the right to exercise their rights when halted, questioned, or arrested by police. By understanding our rights, we can put ourselves in the position to challenge the prosecution’s case against us, in the event that charges are filed.
Be Wary Of Your Words
Whenever you are stopped by a police officer or questioned due to suspicion of a crime, you must always exercise your right to stay silent. By law, we have the right to remain silent if we are being accused of a crime. Many people may be tempted to try to talk themselves out of the situation, but rarely does that actually work in their favor. Many times, an officer is already set on arresting you and trying to charge you with a crime, so anything that you share with them is probably going to be used against you anyway. Be wary of your words, or even better yet, stay silent until your lawyer arrives.
Understand Your Rights
Aside from your rights to not say anything, there are other rights that can protect you if you are investigated or under arrest. You have the right to defend yourself against criminal charges made against you. Even if the interaction between you and an officer ends up as an arrest, you do have the opportunity later to make your defense. You have the right to obtain a lawyer. By informing an officer that you prefer to not discuss anything until you have a lawyer present, you are essentially putting a stop to an interrogation. Your lawyer can guide you after your arrest, create a defense strategy, and address other concerns you may have.
Be Patient In Your Defense
When you exercise your rights, be sure to do so as cordially as possible. Of course, you may be understandably irate at law enforcement for arresting you in the first place, but how you act with them can make the process smoother or more difficult for yourself. You can simply decline to answer their questions, state that you are exercising your rights to stay silent, and would like to speak with a lawyer. You will be given a phone call, and who you reach out to is important. Keep in mind that if you call a lawyer, police are not permitted to listen in on this call. But if you contact a friend or family member instead, law enforcement is allowed to listen to this conversation.