Every criminal suspect has some legal rights, even from the moment of arrest. Below are some of these rights.

Knowing Charges

If the police arrest you, you have the right to know the charges that the police have against you. For example, if the police have arrested you for drunk driving, you should know that the charge against you is driving under the influence (DUI). This is necessary to prevent the police from abusing their powers by arresting people without probable cause. It also helps you to start organizing your bond and defense.

Identifying Arresting Officers

You also have a right to know the identities of the officers who have arrested you, and there are several reasons for this. First, it helps to stop criminals posing as police officers. Secondly, it prevents criminal suspects from resisting arrest and later claiming that they didn't know the identities of the people who made the arrest. Lastly, this right also prevents police officers from abusing their powers, since they know they will be identified.

Making a Telephone Call

If you have been placed under arrest, you have the right to make at least one phone call. You can use the opportunity to call a lawyer, friend, family member, or bail bondsman. The police should allow you to make this call within a reasonable time, which doesn't mean immediately, but it should be at least within a few hours of your arrest. This gives you the chance to notify your loved ones of your location and arrest, get bailed out, or arrange for legal representation.

Remaining Silent

You don't have to tell the police anything, apart from the basics such as your identity, if you have been arrested. You have the right to remain silent until you have communicated with a lawyer. Your right to silence helps to avoid self-incrimination, since you can easily give away incriminating evidence if you talk without a lawyer present.

Accessing Legal Representation

Lastly, you also have the right to legal representation if you are under arrest. This right ensures everyone receives a fair trial, since not everyone has a good grasp of the law. Most people arrange for their own attorneys, but those who cannot afford private lawyers may be given free legal representation by public defenders. There are specific prerequisites you must meet to be given free legal representation.

You may be entitled to some remedy if the police abuse your rights. The remedy potential depends on the right that the police abused. Consult a lawyer if you suspect that the police abused your right during your arrest.

For more information, you can reach out to a criminal defense attorney in your area.

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