Most people might not imagine they will be arrested, though it is important to know that an arrest can happen to anyone, even if you have not committed a crime. People are arrested for right and wrong reasons every day, and it is important to know your rights in the event of an arrest.
If an officer detains or arrests you, the law requires them to inform you of certain rights before they ask you questions. These are referred to as your Miranda rights, and they are as follows:
- The right to remain silent (anything you say can and will be used against you in court)
- The right to an attorney (if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you)
You have to inform the officers that you plan to exercise these rights for them to stop asking questions and wait for you to have representation.
Some people think that refusing to answer questions and “lawyering up” will only make them appear guilty. However, your decision to exercise these rights cannot be used against you in your criminal case. Instead, invoking these rights will only help your case if charges are filed against you.
Officers use many tactics to get arrestees to answer questions, including making false promises. It is all too common for people under arrest to say something incriminating, even if they did not do anything wrong. It is always advised to politely stop talking to police and call a criminal defense attorney as your Miranda rights allow.
Contact a Miranda Rights Lawyer in Greensboro Right Away
At the E.J. Boswell Law Office, we represent clients in police communications, as well as during every step of the criminal process. Call 706-417-8299 or contact us online to learn how a Greensboro Miranda rights attorney can help after your arrest.