2 key rights if you have been arrested

If you have been arrested, it is critical that you understand your rights. This may be your first time dealing with law enforcement. It can be very stressful and overwhelming, so focusing on your rights is important.

You do have many rights as an American citizen. Below are two to consider from the very first moment that you have your encounter with law enforcement.

Your right to remain silent

To begin with, you do not have to answer questions from the police. You do not have to voluntarily give them any information. You do not have to tell them anything that could incriminate you or be used as evidence against you.

In some situations, such as during a traffic stop, you do have to provide appropriate identification to the officer. But beyond that, you can tell them that you are going to use your right to remain silent so that they will stop interrogating you.

Your right to an attorney

Likewise, you do not have to navigate the criminal justice system alone. Everyone has a right to legal counsel. You do deserve to have an attorney.

For many people, it is not that they do not want to cooperate or answer questions. But they will simply tell the police that they are going to use their right to remain silent until their attorney is present. Only at that time will they be willing to answer questions and provide information.

Addressing criminal charges

If you are invoking your right to remain silent or asking for your attorney, you are very early in the process of working through the criminal justice system. You need to know what legal defense options you have and what steps to take to address the charges.