The cold, heavy handcuffs have been placed around your wrists. As you sit in the back of the police squad car, you reflect on how you ended up here and you weigh your options. There are a variety of reasons why people are placed under arrest. Whether it’s for a DUI or drug-related charges, driving with a suspended license, or being accused of domestic violence, countless people find themselves in this position every day.
What they may not realize is that their next steps could result in having their charges dismissed or implicating them to a crime they may not have committed. For charges such as domestic violence, a lot of cases are decided after a person is placed under arrest. If you are in need of a domestic violence defense attorney in Tampa please call us today. In the following two-part article, we will first educate you on your rights when detained. In the second section, we will conclude the series.
If you have never been arrested, it’s important to understand the booking process. We have all seen the movies where the arrested party takes a mugshot, is fingerprinted, and placed in a holding cell. However, there is a lot more at play than just the basic process. For starters, it’s important to understand your rights even when you are detained. For example, you have the right to be informed of why you were arrested and what your charges are. You also have a right to contact a family member or friend to notify them of your arrest. These are just a few of the many rights you still have.
It’s critical to have your attorney notified as soon as possible of your arrest. Having an attorney present can prevent law enforcement from encroaching upon many of your basic rights. For example, you have the right to have an attorney present for any police questioning or during the lineup procedure. You also have the right to refuse any type of tests until you speak with your attorney. This includes everything from a lie detector to a breathalyzer. Unfortunately, many people are not treated fairly when they are detained. Having an experienced attorney present will only help ensure that your rights are not being infringed upon and that you are being treated lawfully. Lastly, the sooner your attorney is aware that you have been detained the quicker they can obtain knowledge of your case, gather evidence of the circumstances, and prepare a defense for your case.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.