Law enforcement personnel can be incredibly persuasive when it comes to negotiating with suspects, and they often rely on intimidating tactics to obtain evidence that warrants an arrest. Although everyone has rights whether or not they are guilty of the crimes they have been accused of, police officers and prosecutors do not necessarily respect these rights during criminal proceedings. Below, a criminal lawyer from Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. in Hamilton, OH, explains some of the rights you should be aware of in case you ever find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

3 Rights to Remember After an Arrest From a Seasoned Criminal Lawyer

The Right to Remain Silent

People who face arrest have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, which protects citizens from self-incrimination. Police cannot coerce or force you to answer their questions, even if their accusations are accurate and you happen to be guilty.

A common scenario to exercise this right is during a traffic stop. For example, if you drive home from a barbecue, where you enjoyed two beers over a four-hour period, your blood alcohol concentration would likely be well under the legal limit; however, lying to police is not wise and can result in a criminal conviction.

If the police ask during the traffic stop, .whether you have been drinking, there is no right answer. Even if you are confident about being under the legal limit, lying by saying “no” could theoretically have serious consequences. Answering truthfully by saying “yes” obviously has repercussions as well, and in such a scenario, it may be best to exercise your right to remain silent.

The Right to Have an Attorney Present

You have the right to have a criminal lawyer present during any questioning. You also have the right to receive legal counsel during a trial. If police ignore your request for an attorney and proceed with an interrogation, they have violated your rights.

The Right to a Speedy Trial

Criminal proceedings are inherently stressful, and it’s not fair to defendants when their trials are delayed frequently. Once you’re charged with a crime, you have the right to a speedy trial, so you can resolve the case and move on with your life.

If you think your rights were violated following an arrest or during the subsequent proceedings, turn to a criminal lawyer from Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. in Hamilton, OH. Their legal team is devoted to helping clients fight for the most favorable outcome possible. To learn more about their experience defending clients who face criminal charges, visit the website. You can also schedule an initial consultation with a DUI attorney by calling (513) 867-1411.