In the legal world of defending yourself against criminal charges, knowing your criminal defense rights is really important. Sometimes, people might not be fully aware of what rights they have when dealing with the police. This guide explains the top 10 rights you have when it comes to defending yourself against criminal charges that the police might not want you to know. It covers things like your right to stay quiet and making sure any searches are fair and legal. The goal is to give you the knowledge you need to protect yourself legally when you have to deal with the police.
While the specifics may vary, individuals have certain rights when dealing with law enforcement, and being aware of these rights is crucial.
Here are 10 criminal defense rights that individuals should be aware of, which law enforcement may not necessarily highlight:
- Right to remain silent. This is probably the most well-known criminal defense right, but it’s still important to remember. You have the right to refuse to answer any questions from the police, and anything you do say can be used against you in court.
- Right to an attorney. This right applies at every stage of the criminal process, from the moment you are arrested to the moment you are sentenced. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you.
- Right to know the charges against you. The police must inform you of the charges against you as soon as possible after your arrest.
- Right to a fair trial. This right includes a number of important protections, such as the right to a speedy trial, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to confront your accusers.
- Right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that the police cannot search you or your property without a warrant unless they have probable cause to believe that you have committed a crime.
- Right to know why you are being detained. If the police stop you or detain you, they must tell you why they are doing so.
- Right to end the questioning. If you are being questioned by the police, you have the right to end the questioning at any time. You should simply say, “I want to speak to an attorney.”
- Right to refuse to take a polygraph test. Polygraph tests are not reliable, and you should never take one without first speaking to an attorney.
- Right to refuse to submit a blood sample. You have the right to refuse to submit a blood sample to the police unless they have a warrant.
- Right to refuse to consent to a search of your home or car. The police cannot search your home or car without a warrant unless you consent to the search.
Conclusion
It is important to know your criminal defense rights and to exercise them if you are ever arrested or questioned by the police. If you are unsure of your rights, or if you believe that your rights have been violated, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Kareem Law APC, we are committed to upholding and protecting those rights. If you find yourself facing criminal charges and need expert legal guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (888)-506-6519.
