Thousands of people find themselves at loggerheads with the police every day. While it would be comforting to think that you are a law-abiding citizen who does not have to worry about being arrested, there is a possibility that you can be arrested for a crime you did not commit in the first place.
Therefore, there is absolutely nothing wrong with preparing yourself for such unfortunate circumstances. And this starts with knowing your rights and how you can best exercise them when the need arises. Here are some of the things you need to know when the words “you are under arrest” are directed at you:
Understand your Miranda rights
It is the duty of the arresting officer to inform you of your Miranda rights. However, it is your duty to understand exactly what they mean. For instance, if you go ahead and talk after the officer has informed you about your right to remain silent, it is important to understand the potential impact of your words. In a nutshell, here are four things you need to know about your Miranda rights:
- You have the right to remain silent during your arrest and questioning
- You have the right to legal representation during the questioning
- Anything you say during the arrest and questioning can be used against you during the trial
- If you cannot afford legal representation, the court will facilitate it for you
Never resist an arrest
Whether you are innocent or not, resisting a lawful arrest or fighting the arresting officer is never wise. This could compound your problems further. Being arrested for any reason can be unsettling. Find out how you can protect your rights during and after an arrest.