Getting arrested after committing a crime, no matter how minor or serious, begins a process that can see your rights challenged by the government. It’s the role of the police to collect evidence about you and your actions before, during, and after an incident to determine your involvement in the situation. The experience is designed to be uncomfortable and put you off your guard in the hopes that you won’t invoke your right to silence and your right to be represented by a criminal defense attorney in Philadelphia.
What Happens During an Arrest
When a police officer has made a decision that you’re a suspect, they’ll detain you and place you under arrest. That involves the police officer informing you that you’re under arrest, then being handcuffed and placed in the back of a patrol car. You’re then transported to the nearest police station for processing and detained while the initial investigation is being conducted.
You may be placed in a holding cell or in an interrogation room, depending on the reason why you were arrested. In the event you were arrested for DUI, you’ll get an opportunity to call the best DUI lawyer in Philadelphia for legal assistance after you’ve had your blood alcohol checked and put through the booking process. If you were involved in a criminal case, you’ll be put through an interrogation, so the police can try to learn more and charge you with an offense that they feel is appropriate.
How an Interrogation is Handled
At some point, you’re read your Miranda rights, which enforces your right to stay silent. It also prevents the police from using anything you’ve said against you prior to being Mirandized. After your Miranda rights are read, the police settle in to start asking you questions about the incident. This is where you say nothing and invoke your right to an attorney. Nothing you say at this point is going to work in your favor, and you preserve your rights by asking for a lawyer.
What Happens After the Interrogation is Completed
Once you’ve declined to speak, the police are under no obligation to let you go. You may wind up being put in a cell, then wait to go before a judge to get a bond for release. You’ll have to return to court on the specified date to start the process of being judged and handed a punishment or sentence. Not saying anything at all and retaining a criminal attorney helps you improve your odds of getting a lighter sentence.
The Importance of Saying Nothing at All Times
Oftentimes, people talk to the police during their arrest and subsequent interrogation in the hopes they’re going to go free. All they have to do is convince the police officer or detective that they’re innocent by talking their way out of the situation. The fact is, once the police have decided that you’re a potential suspect, they’re not going to let you go that easily, and they’re not going to listen to what you have to say.
You are required by law to give the police your real name and address during the time you’re in custody, but you are under no obligation to say more than that. If the police try to pressure you into giving information at any point, you can politely decline and say that your lawyer advised you to not speak to the police.
Call the Brennan Law Offices Today for Help With Your Case
At the Brennan Law Offices, we’re here to help you with your criminal charges, no matter if it’s DUI, burglary, or assault. If you’ve been arrested for a crime of any type, contact us immediately, so we can get started on your case. Remember to always stay silent and let us help you with your charges by speaking for you in a court of law.