Being accused of a crime can be a frightening experience. When you are arrested, handcuffed, placed in a police car, and taken to a police station or detention facility, you are likely to be intimidated and worried about whether you may say or do the wrong thing. Fortunately, you have rights in these situations, and you can protect yourself and avoid words or actions that could be incriminating. You can also take steps to get released by contacting a bail bondsman and posting bail. By understanding the best approach to take in these situations, you can make sure you will be able to resolve your criminal case successfully.
The rights that apply to you may differ depending on whether you are being interviewed or interrogated. Police officers may perform interviews at the scene of a crime, speaking to witnesses to gain information about what happened. They may also interview witnesses or suspects during investigations, and these interviews may take place in various locations, including a person's home or a police station. The statements given during interviews may be used during the investigation or prosecution of a crime, and your words could potentially be used against you in a criminal case.
In situations where you are considered a "material witness" or are a suspect, police may interrogate you in an attempt to get you to confess or to gain information that could be used to prosecute you on criminal charges. These interrogations will often be performed after you are arrested. In these situations, police are required to inform you of your "Miranda rights," which state that you have the right to remain silent and the right to be represented by an attorney. However, police will often attempt to convince you to waive these rights and answer questions without having an attorney present.
During an interrogation, police are not allowed to use physical violence or threats, but they can use coercion in an attempt to get you to confess. That is, they are allowed to lie about the details of the case, the forms of evidence against you, and statements made by other witnesses or suspects. They may falsely state that they found your fingerprints at the scene of a crime or that another person stated that you were the one who committed an offense. They may also imply that they will be lenient if you cooperate and answer their questions. However, these are tactics that will usually be used to ensure that they can charge you with a crime. Even if police officers state that they are on your side, it is important to remember that they most likely do not have your best interests in mind.
To make sure your rights will be protected, you can assert your right to remain silent and state that you will not answer any questions without having an attorney present. You have the right to be represented by a competent lawyer, and if you cannot afford to hire an attorney, a public defender will be appointed to represent you. The best way to protect yourself is to refuse to answer any questions or make any statements until you have consulted with your attorney.
You also have the right to be released from custody quickly after posting bail. Within 48 hours after an arrest, an arraignment must be held, and a judge will decide on whether you will be required to pay bail and the amount that must be paid before you can be released. By contacting a professional bail agent, you can make sure this amount will be paid so that you can get out of jail.
In situations where you have been arrested, it is important to understand your rights and take steps to protect yourself. Additionally, with the help of a bail bondsman, you can ensure that you will be released quickly after posting bail. If you have been arrested, the Mckinney bail bond professionals at Doc's Bail Bonds can post bail on your behalf and help you get out of jail as soon as possible. We are available to help you 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and we will work with you to determine the most affordable ways to secure a bail bond. Contact us at 214-747-4110.