WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS AFTER BEING ARRESTED?

Being arrested by Texas police can be a traumatic experience. Nobody wants to be brought to jail and have their freedom taken away. However, if you are arrested for a crime it is very important that you understand you have rights, and that the Constitution provides all citizens charged with a crime certain protections under the law.

However, while knowing your rights when you are arrested can help you avoid further incriminating yourself and help you resolve the situation in the best way possible, it is also important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE ARRESTED IN TEXAS?

When you are arrested in Texas you will be “booked” at the police station. This process can include taking fingerprints, a picture and other procedural requirements. Your personal items will also be confiscated, recorded in a log and kept at the station until you are released.

Once you are “booked,” if officers wish to question you, they are required to read you your Miranda Rights. If the police fail to read your Miranda Rights before questioning, anything that you say can be dismissed by the court.

Listed below are your rights after you have been arrested in Texas:

• The crime. Law enforcement is required to tell you what crime or crimes you are being charged with. You also have the right to know the names and identity of the officers who arrested you.
• Phone call. Once you have been brought to the station and the police have completed their booking procedures, you have the right to make a phone call. You can call a friend, family member, attorney or bondsman.

If you are questioned by the police you also have certain rights. They include:

• The right to remain silent. You are not legally obligated to answer any questions, and any answers you do give can be used against you in court. If you do begin to answer the police’s questions, you have the right to stop at any point and the questions must end.
• The right to an attorney. You have the right to have your attorney present before answering any questions. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court must provide one.

CONTACT A SKILLED TEXAS CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Andrew J. Williams has over 20 years practicing criminal law. In fact, he is the only Board Certified Attorney certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Defense with offices in Kingwood. He understands the intricacies of the legal system in Texas and will fight to protect your rights.

Give us a call today at 281-358-9111 to schedule a free consultation or contact us online here. Our phones are open 24 hours.

Author: Andrew Williams

I am a criminal defense lawyer with over 30 years experience defending people accused of wrongdoing. I am board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Only ten percent of attorneys in Texas are board certified in their respective field. I practice criminal law exclusively in both state and federal court including appeals of criminal cases.