CRIMINAL LAW
Criminal Law
Television has made us all familiar with the Miranda warnings an officer must give a person being arrested. The most important parts of that warning are:
- You have the right to remain silent; and
- You have the right to speak with an attorney to determine your legal rights and obligations before making any statement to a police officer.
If you cannot afford an attorney, you can ask that an attorney be appointed for you. The fact that you refused to speak without an attorney cannot be held against you in a court of law.
Police officers are trained to get information from you. Remember that even seemingly friendly conversations in the field or in a police car or a police station are probably being recorded and are designed to obtain information that can be used against you. Do not be afraid to assert your constitutional right against self-incrimination. Even if you are simply unsure of your situation, you should not be afraid to seek legal assistance before speaking to an officer. Any information an officer obtains from you “can and will be used against you”.
If you have any questions about your rights, call an attorney before talking with the police.
The Principe Law Office can consult with you about your rights or provide vigorous representation of your interests in court in most criminal matters, including:
DUI/DWI
Drug Offenses
Property Crimes
Assault
Domestic Violence
Contact us online or call us at (907) 486-1049.