Being Arrested
Being arrested is a frightening process. If you have never before been taken in to police custody, then you may not know what to expect when a law enforcement officer arrests you. Once you have lost your right to leave the officer’s presence, the arrest process is officially complete. However, there are a number of procedures that officers will typically do following your arrest:
- Search your person and vehicle, if present
- Take you to the police station for booking
- Complete the booking process, which includes taking down your personal and physical information, taking photographs and fingerprints, and confiscating your personal items
- Read you your Miranda Rights
- Interrogation
- Hold a scheduled arraignment, during which you plead guilty or not guilty
- Place you in a holding cell, unless you can pay bail in exchange for your release
Following your scheduled arraignment, you will go through the trial process.
Your Miranda Rights
Before an officer is allowed to interrogate you, he or she must read you the Miranda warning, which informs you of your legal rights:
- Right to remain silent
- Anything you say can and will be used against you in court
- Right to consult with an attorney
- If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided to you at no cost
If the Miranda warning is not read aloud to you, then all evidence collected during the interrogation process cannot be used against you.
Contact Us
If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, then you will need the help of an experienced and qualified defense attorney to represent you in court. The Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Bruno Law Offices can provide you with the legal support you need to protect yourself. Contact us today at (217) 328-6000 to speak with an attorney about your situation.