Every citizen of the United States has certain legal rights that they can, and should, exercise in the event that they are arrested.
Going over these legal rights and speaking with an experienced Chicago criminal defense lawyer will allow you to protect your innocence.
Legal Right 01: The Right To Remain Silent
You have the right to remain silent after being arrested. This is because everything you say can, and will, be used against you.
Just as an example, if you are arrested for an alleged fraud and make a joke about the situation or say something that sounds vaguely “guilty” to the arresting officer, this could be used against you.
On the other hand, if you say nothing, then nothing you say during or after your course of arrest will be used against you.
Legal Right 02: The Right To Know The Charges
You always have the right to know the charges against you.
If you have been arrested for a crime, then you can, and should, ask what the charges against you are. And, in doing so, you must be provided with the specific charges that have been filed against you.
Just as an example, if you have been charged with fraud, then you must be informed of these charges. If you are not told what the charges against you happen to be, even after asking, your legal rights may have been violated.
Outside of what has been shared above, it is worth clarifying one fact: if you do not know the charges against you, you cannot prepare an adequate defense. This is why you always have the right to know the charges against you.
Legal Right 03: The Right To An Attorney
The legal system is complex and confusing. In order for you to navigate the legal system, it is of the utmost importance that you retain the services of an attorney.
You always have the right to an attorney. This applies to what happens after your arrest – going to court and a potential trial, among many other things, including what happens immediately after you are arrested.
If the police would like to speak with you, you do not have to tell them anything until your attorney arrives. When your attorney arrives, they will go over what to say/what you have to say, if anything.
Legal Right 04: The Right To A Fair Trial
If you are arrested, and things progress, you may go to trial. And, if this happens, you have the right to a trial that is fair, speedy, public, and assessed by an impartial jury.
On top of the rights clarified above, you also have the right to:
Present evidence that refutes the prosecution’s claims.
- Bring on witnesses of your own.
- Cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses.
By working with an attorney who can help you exercise these rights, you will be able to protect your innocence.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
If you need representation for a criminal charge, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
Our team has helped thousands of people who have been charged with crimes in Illinois. When we take cases, we do so to win. This means we take cases to trial. We don’t arrange plea bargains unless it is in the best interest of our clients. As proactive lawyers, we fight aggressively and support our clients throughout their entire case up to and including appeals. Protecting your life and freedom is always the goal, and with our decades of experience practicing law, we know how to get results. This is why we are regularly invited to appear as a legal contributor on popular radio and news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox NEWS.
When you need an attorney, experience matters. Speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.