What Are Your Rights if You Are Arrested In Missouri?
Getting arrested is a stressful experience, especially if it is your first time. In addition to being unfamiliar with the process, getting locked up and held with other prisoners can be frightening. However, according to a bail bondsman at Nicholas Bail Bonds in West Plains, by knowing your rights, you can remain calm and understand what lies ahead. Here they offer a brief guide to the topic as it applies in Missouri.
What Are Your Rights During an Arrest?
In the state of Missouri, you can be arrested if there is a warrant out for you, or if a police officer sees or believes you violated the law. It is a common misconception that officers must read you the Miranda Rights during an arrest. However that is not always the case. Officers are only required to inform you of your Miranda Rights in the event they are questioning you about your involvement in a crime. They may choose to search your clothing or property for which they must have consent unless they are simply patting you down for weapons / safety concerns. They may also fingerprint you, which is not optional, and ask for a written or verbal statement. You are not required by law to give any statement and may remain silent. Exersizing this right cannot be held against you in court proceedings.
During questioning, you may ask for a lawyer. As a citizen, you can also waive those rights, choosing to speak with the police before meeting with an attorney.
How Can a Bail Bonds Company Help?
After being processed and placed in jail, a judge will set a bail amount assuming a warrant has yet to be issued. While it is possible to pay this full sum directly to the court, many people don’t have the cash or on hand or do not want to tie their assets up for court proceeding that can last from six months to two years in some cases. Instead, they choose to work with a bail bondsman.
The company posts the bail for you for a set premium. For instance, if the judge sets a $20,000 amount, you will only have to pay a percentage of that price to a bail bondsman in exchange for the promise that you will attend court dates.
If you have been arrested and need help, turn to a bail bondsman at Nicholas Bail Bonds in West Plains, MO. With over 15 years of experience and a commitment to professionalism and customer service, this team will help you gain freedom while fighting the case. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call (417) 255-1109 to speak directly with a representative about your situation.