It’s essential that you know your rights after an arrest in Dallas county to ensure law enforcement doesn’t overstep their Aside from remaining calm and not resisting arrest, there are some other things you can do to help your defense. Keep reading to learn about your legal rights, as well as some tips should you find yourself facing a judge.
You Have the Right to an Attorney
If the police take you into custody and hold you on criminal charges, you should maintain your composure. That means avoiding any confrontation with the authorities and being respectful. If you refuse to comply, you may be charged with an additional crime — the crime of resisting arrest. Unfortunately, that will reflect negatively on you in court. Just remember that you have rights after an arrest, and your time will come.
Nevertheless, everyone has the legal right to a lawyer. You should ask for one as soon as the possibility presents itself. The law enforcement officer can provide you with a Legal Aid Society attorney, or you can hire a private one. Either way, do not make any decisions about your case without your attorney present. There will be plenty of time to talk about tactics and strategies to help defend your case and make the correct decisions.
Don’t take any advice from the jail staff, police officers, or inmates. Not only are they less informed about the justice system, but they also may not have your best interest in mind. You shouldn’t speak about your situation to anyone but your lawyer. Otherwise, something you say may be used against you in court.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
Other than giving away your full name and address, you have the right to plead the fifth. This legal right to remain silent includes refraining from an oral, written, or videotaped statement to the police or prosecutor about the alleged crime. Don’t provide the authorities with any type of excuses, explanations, or stories. You can always assert your defenses later in a court of law, with your criminal defense attorney’s help.
You have the right to call your family member or friend and inform them of your arrest. However, you shouldn’t discuss any facts about your case over the telephone. No matter if they’re from the station or jail, the police will record every conversation. This means that the prosecution can use those recordings in court to incriminate you.
Arraignment Court and Bail
The police will take you to central booking at the courthouse for further processing. There, they will check your fingerprints to see if you have a criminal record or whether there are any warrants for your arrest. Someone from the Department of Criminal Justice will also interview you. This will serve the purpose of preparing a report that will tell the judge whether to set bail. The report will be based on your:
- Residence
- Employment
- History
- Criminal background
Before your arraignment, a lawyer will explain to you what you’ve been charged with and inform you of all your legal rights. They may also ask for your release on recognizance (ROR) or request a lower bail amount.
DDD Bail Bonds: Bond Release is Usually One of Your Rights After an Arrest
If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact DDD Bail Bonds immediately. We offer fast and affordable bonds throughout Dallas County. Our agency is open 24/7 and our bail bondsmen will start working on your case as soon as it’s received. We will guide you through the entire bonding process and help you quickly acquire an affordable bond that will allow for your release from custody.