what do you do if a detained suspect requests an attorney?

If you are arrested and charged with a crime, you are entitled to the assistance of an attorney. You should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney or the local public defender's office to talk about your case.

Full Answer

Can a suspect actually request an attorney?

 · As soon as you are arrested, you need to start requesting the ability to contact an attorney. If you have to call from jail, you should be given the opportunity to do so. If you are out on your own recognizance or you have posted bail, set up meetings and contact possible attorneys as soon as possible. Part 2 Calling from Jail Download Article 1

What should I do if I need an attorney after being arrested?

 · Once you ask, the questioning must cease until you are able to speak with an attorney. Remember, do not be ambiguous about your request for counsel, stating merely that you think you should have counsel may not be enough to prompt the officers to stop the interrogation. You Can Waive Your Right To Counsel If You Do Not Remain Silent

When to ask if you’re being detained or arrested?

 · As a general rule, if you have been detained, you must truthfully identify yourself, and beyond that, the only appropriate answer to a police question is: “I want my lawyer.” If you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, state this out …

What should you do if you are a suspect?

 · An explicit request for an attorney requires all questioning to cease. If the suspect makes an ambiguous or equivocal statement concerning the right to legal counsel following an unequivocal waiver of the right to counsel, the officer does not need to stop and ask clarifying questions. Three days later, the detectives interviewed Medina again.

Do you have to answer police questions?

You never have to answer police questions about where you are going or coming from, what you’re doing, or what you have done, and it is almost always unwise to do so without first consulting a lawyer. Know your rights if you’re stopped by the police. In the United States, if you are questioned by the police, you are entitled to exercise your Fifth ...

What rights do you have if you are stopped by the police?

In the United States, if you are questioned by the police, you are entitled to exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and your Sixth Amendment right to counsel. As a general rule, if you have been detained, you must truthfully identify yourself, and beyond that, ...

Do police officers have to identify themselves?

Many people think that police officers are always required to identify themselves , and certainly if they attempt to exercise police authority in a situation they must first identify themselves as police officers.

When investigating a complaint that a crime has been committed, what do police officers and investigators gather?

When investigating a complaint that a crime has been committed, police officers and investigators gather information, primarily through questioning any witness who might have information about what happened. They should attempt to question everyone present during an incident, and even those nearby who may have heard or seen something that will help add to the story of what happened.

Do police need Miranda warnings?

The police investigating any crime should also attempt to interview any suspects identified by the witnesses, and—unless they are placing a suspect under arrest—the Miranda warnings are not required. A suspect’s statement will be used against them.

What is the purpose of police officers?

Police officers are trained to interrogate suspects and their goal is to pressure the suspect by creating an atmosphere where they can find and exploit a psychological weakness. Their aim is to extract a confession, an incriminating statement, or even a partial admission of some fact necessary to prove guilt.

How to stop police from stealing my money?

Don’t run, resist, or obstruct the officers. Do not lie or give false documents. Keep your hands where the police can see them. Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t give any explanations or excuses. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer. If you are allowed a telephone call, ...

What happens if a suspect waives Miranda rights?

U.S. (512 U.S. 453 (1994).) The Court noted that if a suspect invokes the right to counsel at any time, the police must at once stop the questioning until a lawyer is present. (A suspect can also invoke the right to remain silent—see Is post-arrest silence enough to stop police questioning?) But the Court also said that, after a suspect waives the Miranda rights, officers may continue asking questions until the suspect makes a clear request for a lawyer.

Who has the final say on the Constitution?

The Supreme Court has the final say on the federal Constitution, but states may read their own constitutions to provide defendants more rights. That means that the law can vary somewhat depending on where your case is. Differences in the law make for one of many reasons to talk to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney if you've been arrested.

What happens if you are not under arrest?

If you are not under arrest and have not been given your Miranda rights under the 5 th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you can and should leave. If the police stop you, the problem may be that you may not be certain if you are being arrested or simply questioned. The best strategy is to ask the officer.

What is the right to an attorney?

Right to an attorney. Under the 6 th Amendment to the Constitution, you have a right to an attorney. If you are a suspect or are even worried that you are, you want to exercise this right and retain an attorney. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately may help you avoid criminal charges.

What is the right to remain silent?

Right to remain silent. You have a right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself under the 5 th Amendment. If the police are questioning you, you should invoke this right and remain silent. You should also advise the officer that you want your attorney present.

Which amendment gives you the right to remain silent?

You have a right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself under the 5 th Amendment. If the police are questioning you, you should invoke this right and remain silent. You should also advise the officer that you want your attorney present.

What is the 6th amendment?

Under the 6 th Amendment to the Constitution, you have a right to an attorney. If you are a suspect or are even worried that you are, you want to exercise this right and retain an attorney. Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately may help you avoid criminal charges.

How a Lawyer Gets Appointed

When defendants are arrested, they must be brought before a judge within a specified period of time. This appearance is known as an arraignment or initial appearance. At that time, a judge will ask defendants if they can afford an attorney.

The Advantages of a Court-Appointed Lawyer

You should not assume that an appointed lawyer will be less capable than a private attorney you pay. Appointed counsel may perform as well as, or even better than, a private attorney, for the following reasons:

Do I Have to Keep My Appointed Lawyer?

If, at any point during your case, you are dissatisfied with your appointed counsel and come up with the funds (perhaps from family or friends) to hire a lawyer of your choosing, you have a right to change lawyers.

What happens when you are detained by police?

When you’re detained by police officers, it’s usually for “brief and cursory” questioning. After the questioning is over, you’ll most likely be released. Officers must have reasonable suspicion to detain a suspect, but this also usually means they don’t have probable cause to arrest you.

Do police have probable cause to arrest you?

Officers must have reasonable suspicion to detain a suspect, but this also usually means they don’t have probable cause to arrest you. If they answer yes to detainment, try and remain as silent as possible. Remember, you have the right to remain silent.

What happens if you are not arrested?

Think about the answers to the first two questions you asked. If you’re not being detained and you’re not being arrested, chances are you are free to go. The police cannot keep you without probable cause or reasonable suspicion.

Do you have to give consent to police?

In general, you shouldn’t give your consent to police officers. They need warrants to search you, your property, or your home. They also need an arrest warrant if they’ve come specifically to arrest you.