Know Your Rights After an Arrest

You undoubtedly understand that you have “rights” after you have been arrested by the police in Orlando or the surrounding area, but knowing what those rights are is important. Without the proper knowledge, you do not know if you have been treated fairly according to the law. Any person accused of a crime has rights, some of which are protected by the U.S. Constitution.

We are providing you with a brief synopsis of your rights in hopes that you will know how to react to your arrest and the events that follow. Study the list below so that you are aware of your true civil rights.

  1. Remain Silent

You have the absolute right to remain silent after you have been arrested. You cannot be forced to answer any questions. If you inform the police that you opt to enforce this right, they are not permitted to attempt to coerce you into divulging any information.

  1. Choosing to Speak

If you do choose to speak, do so only after you have been informed that “anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.” You must be told of the consequences that result from your decision to talk.

  1. Attorney

The police must tell you that you have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. This doesn’t mean “before” questioning. It means that even if you start to answer questions, you may stop at any time and ask for a lawyer. It does not mean that one will be provided within minutes. It only means that you will have the opportunity to have a lawyer present if the police decide to question you in the immediate future.

  1. Paying for an Attorney

You cannot be forced to pay for an attorney if you cannot afford one. You may be asked to fill out a form that divulges your financial information before you are appointed a free legal representative.

  1. Humane Treatment

You have the right to be treated humanely. You may not be deprived of food or water, the police may not use force when it is uncalled for and you must be given access to personal hygiene. All of these things, outside of the use of force, are dependent upon the length of time you are held in custody.

If you have already been arrested and believe that your rights may have been violated, you need an attorney. Our experienced criminal defense team will represent you in court and help to ensure that your rights are upheld. Call now for a free consultation.

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