When an arrest is made, the police will repeat your Miranda rights. The general gist is that you can keep quiet and refuse to answer any questions until you have consulted a lawyer. You also have the right to a legal team to come to your defense even if you cannot afford it.
Knowing your rights is the first step to staying out of trouble and avoiding any further risk to yourself. You need to stay calm, comply with the police and be completely honest in your statement. There are some other rights that every citizen is entitled to, and here are some that you may not already know.
Learn All the Necessary Details
Your most basic right anytime you are arrested is that you are allowed to know the details of the charges. If you have not been read and explained the potential charges, this is a cause for alarm. Knowing all the details allows you to defend yourself in the interrogation room and provide evidence to clear your name.
Not only do you have the right to know the relevant details, but you have the right to be informed as soon as something changes. Miranda rights are regulated in more than 100 countries, so it is taken very seriously. You need to know the details of your arrest so that you can decide whether to speak up or keep quiet.
Determine If the Arrest is Warranted
Unless you are expecting to get arrested, you may not know what is happening to you and why. If you believe that you are being falsely detained then you need to act quickly. Legally, most police stations can only hold you for up to 24 hours without evidence or an official arrest. The first thing to do is get your facts in order. Recall as much detail as possible and write down everything important that may help your case.
There could be a simple misunderstanding that led to your arrest, in which case, telling the truth will be your greatest asset. You have the right to be treated as innocent until proven guilty, and false arrests can happen for a variety of reasons. If a false arrest is suspected, you will need the services of an experienced lawyer such as RomanucciBlandin Law.
Rights to Your Dignity
Basic human rights such as access to food, water, and shelter are mandatory for police officers to provide. Just because someone has been arrested, does not mean they can be detained without the necessities of life. This includes everything from bathroom facilities and exercise equipment to medical attention if you need it.
The justice system is there to protect you. You may not be treated in a manner that negatively imposes on your basic human rights, even if you are found guilty. However, anytime your personal dignity is being targeted, you have the right to speak up and take action.
Knowing your rights when you get arrested is important to make the process as smooth as possible. These rights have been put in place for a reason, and you need to know what to look out for if ever you are in this situation.
