If you have just been arrested and are unsure how to best
proceed, there are a few steps to follow to help ensure your rights are
protected. The wrong move could severely
hamper your case and chances of a good result if you go to court. Your best bet is to speak with an attorney as
soon as you are arrested.
Invoke Your Miranda rights
You should be read your Miranda rights as you are being
arrested. Police officers are required to explain these to you in order to protect
you from incriminating yourself. These
rights include remaining silent, knowing that anything you say can be used against you in court,
and the right to an attorney. You should
then be asked if you understand your rights. You should do the best you can to remain silent, especially without an
attorney present with you. Police can
use any means at their disposal to get a confession out of you even if you are
completely innocent.
Don’t Speak About Your Case While in Jail
If you are arrested and held in police custody, it would be a
mistake to discuss you case with any cellmates or over the phone with your
family or friends. All phone
conversations are recorded and the police are ready to use anything you say
against you in court.
Protect Yourself
In situations where you and one or more friends are
arrested, you cannot trust them to protect you. Even your friends may be willing to say and do anything to get out of
jail or obtain a plea bargain. A Cleveland
criminal defense attorney can better inform you on how best to navigate life
after an arrest.
Find a Bail Bondsman
Judges typically set bail for pre-trial release unless the
crime you are accused of is very serious, such as first degree murder. Since the amount of bail will likely be in
the thousands of dollars, most people look to a bail bondsman to post bail for
a fee you can pay upfront. Bail is a
form of insurance guaranteeing you will show up in court. Once you appear as planned in court, the bail
is returned.
Hire an Attorney
No matter the details surrounding your charges, talk to no one about the details of your case except a qualified
Cleveland criminal defense attorney who can properly advise you. This will be
in your best interests, especially when it comes to build a solid, strong
defense.
Fill out the free case evaluation offered at Henderson, Mokhtari & Weatherly today and let our team defend your rights both in and out of the courtroom.
