What To Do If You Are Arrested
What To Do If You Are Arrested
If you are arrested, you need to understand how to protect your legal rights and your future. Your constitutional rights are important, and you also want to make sure that you do not receive a wrongful conviction or overly harsh penalties for your charges. The best way to do this is by seeking the right defense assistance immediately following an arrest.
If you have been arrested and need a criminal defense attorney, contact the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. for the help you need.
Understand Your Rights
If you are arrested for either a misdemeanor or felony offense, it is critical to know your rights. These rights apply in all U.S. states and are codified in the United States Constitution, and many rights are at issue during and after your arrest.
First, the right to remain silent gives you the ability to refuse to speak to police officers. You do not have to answer any questions about the alleged crime or anything material to the offense. If you are arrested, you should immediately invoke your right to remain silent.
Second, you have a right to know why you are being arrested. Law enforcement officers must explain to you the reasons for your arrest. You have a right to examine and read a warrant if a warrant was issued for your arrest. Do not try to resist arrest, however, even if you believe the arrest is erroneous, as this can lead to further charges and issues.
Third, you have a right to an attorney. You are not obligated to answer questions without having an attorney present at any police questioning. An attorney should always be present before you answer any questions regarding the investigation or crime for which you were arrested.
It is also advisable to remain calm while you are being arrested and booked. You do not want to incur additional charges related to resisting arrest. Being calm while you are being arrested will also help you remember to invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
If law enforcement officers want you to participate in a lineup or a testing procedure, you also need to make sure that your attorney is present. You have a constitutional right to have an attorney present during these procedures.
If the judge requires bond for your release while your case is pending, always speak with a lawyer right away. A skilled defense attorney can argue at a hearing for a reduced bond or even to have you released on personal recognizance without any bond at all.
Contact a Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer Today To Schedule A Free Consultation
If you have been arrested for a crime, contact the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. today to schedule a free consultation, during which we can discuss the facts of your case. Call our office in Montgomery, Alabama, at 334-398-8408 to learn more about the legal services we offer. Do not be intimidated by law enforcement officers or risk your rights being violated - reach out to our office today and protect your rights.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. serves Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, the River Region of Alabama and throughout the State of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka Prattville, Selma and Tuskegee. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or emailing Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr.. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure.
