Arrested by the police? This is what you need to know immediately.
Have you been arrested by the police? This often comes as a surprise and has a major impact. Many people do not know their rights, what they should and, more importantly, should not say, and when they are entitled to a lawyer.
Every day, people search for terms such as "arrested by the police, " "what to do when arrested," and "lawyer after arrest." In this blog, we explain what an arrest means, what your rights are, and why immediate legal advice is crucial .
What does an arrest mean?
An arrest means that the police deprive you of your liberty because you are suspected of a criminal offense. The police may only arrest you if there are legal grounds for doing so.
After an arrest, you may:
be taken to the police station,
are being held for questioning,
and in some cases be detained for longer periods.
Your rights when arrested by the police
If you are arrested, you have important rights. The most important ones are:
The right to remain silent
The right to a lawyer
The right to know what you are suspected of
The right to have a family member or confidant informed
Many suspects make the mistake of "telling their story." However, what you say may be used against you later.
Do you always have to cooperate with the police?
You are required to:
to establish your identity,
to follow certain orders.
You are not required to:
answer questions about the suspicion,
to make a statement without a lawyer.
The right to remain silent is not an admission of guilt, but a fundamental right of defense.
How long can the police detain you?
After arrest, the police may:
detain for questioning for a maximum of 9 hours (night hours do not count),
then, if necessary, place in custody for a maximum of 3 days,
with an extension of up to 6 days.
At this stage, decisions are often made regarding:
you are released,
or is brought before the examining magistrate.
Why hire a criminal defense attorney immediately?
The first few hours after an arrest are often decisive for the further course of the criminal case. A criminal lawyer:
consult with you before the interview,
is at the police interrogation,
prevents unnecessary or harmful statements,
protects your rights,
actively pushes for release.
In many cases, mistakes are made that cannot be corrected later on.
Free lawyer after arrest?
In many cases, you are entitled to:
a duty lawyer,
or legal aid.
Even if you want to choose your own lawyer, it is often possible to have a no-obligation consultation first.
Arrested? Don't wait, act immediately
Have you been arrested by the police or are you facing arrest? Don't wait around. The sooner you engage a lawyer, the greater the chance of a favorable outcome in your criminal case.
Contact us directly for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will put you in direct contact with a specialized criminal defense attorney.