when can you speak to an attorney after an arrest

by Prof. Maybelle Trantow Jr. 4 min read

Hiring an attorney after being arrested is the single most important thing you can do. A qualified criminal defense attorney will help you arrange bail, advise you about your case, and start building your defense. Generally, if you face the possibility of time in jail for your conviction, then you have the right to an attorney.

Full Answer

When can you contact a lawyer after being arrested?

Dec 04, 2017 · Before they question you in custody, law enforcement officers must inform you of your rights and if you choose to invoke either the right to remain silent or the right to an attorney, they are no longer allowed to question you without your attorney present. If arrested, it is almost always in your best interest to invoke this right and seek representation from an experienced …

When should you hire a criminal defense attorney?

Sep 23, 2019 · If you feel that your rights have been violated in the process of an arrest, you may need to speak with an attorney. An attorney can help review what happened and can help determine whether your rights have been violated. In some cases, suing the police may be appropriate if your rights have been infringed upon.

When does a police officer stop asking questions without a lawyer?

Jul 02, 2021 · Timing of the Initial Appearance. Defendants who bailed out before the initial appearance (out-of-custody defendants) might wait a few days or weeks for their initial appearance. In-custody defendants (those sitting in jail) must typically be brought before a judge within 48 to 72 hours of being arrested. Getting in-custody defendants in front ...

What should I do if I get arrested?

Most lawyers would advise anyone who could be a suspect not to speak to the police until having spoken with counsel. Anyone who's in trouble with the law, whether having already given up incriminating information or not, should consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. The law on issues like the rights to silence and counsel can vary from one state to another.

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When is a hearing held after arrest?

When arraignments are combined with initial appearances, the hearing must be held “as soon as is reasonably feasible, but in no event later than 48 hours after arrest.” (Weekends are included within those 48 hours.) Under federal law, if the hearing is held later than 48 hours post-arrest, and the delay was not “reasonable,” confessions by the defendant should be suppressed. The government must convince the judge that an emergency caused the delay (inability to find an available judge on a Friday afternoon would not normally constitute an emergency). In practice, however, defendants prevail only when they’re able to link the delay to their conviction, as when, for example, critical evidence is lost between arrest and hearing and would have been secured but for the defendant’s tardy day in court.

What happens when you are arrested?

From Arrest to the Courtroom. When people are arrested for allegedly committing a crime, the police will take them to the local jail for booking. Jail personnel will confiscate and store the person’s belongings, such as wallets, keys, and phones, and take fingerprints and photographs. Arrestees are placed in a jail cell, ...

Why do people have to be taken before a judge?

When people are arrested for allegedly committing crimes, they must be taken before a judge relatively quickly to learn of the charges against them, their constitutional rights, any bail options, and other matters.

What is the first hearing in court called?

The initial appearance starts the criminal process in court. At this first hearing, sometimes referred to as an arraignment, arrestees learn of the charges filed against them. This hearing is likely just the first of many hearings to come.

What is probable cause hearing?

Probable cause. If the police arrested the defendant without a warrant, the initial appearance or arraignment may be combined with what s called a “ probable cause ” hearing. Here, the court determines whether sufficient evidence exists to hold the defendant.

What is the best way to get out of jail?

If possible, it’s best to have a lawyer by your side. A criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the process, make arguments to get you out of jail or reduce bail, and protect your constitutional rights. If you’re representing yourself, seek clarification (respectfully) when you don’t understand something.

What happens when a prosecutor adds charges?

Or, after a defendant has been arraigned on the prosecutor’s filed “complaint,” the prosecutor may bring the case before the grand jury, which might issue an “information.” The defendant will be entitled to a subsequent arraignment on this new charging document.

What happens to a suspect's right to counsel?

A suspect's assertion of the right to counsel ceases to apply if there is a break in incarceration. The assertion of the right doesn't carry over to the next detention. For example, assume Glen invokes his right to counsel and is released from custody.

What happens when a detainee invokes the right to counsel for only a limited purpose?

If a detainee invokes the right to counsel for only a limited purpose, the police may interrogate "around" that purpose. For example, suppose that, after being Mirandized, Becky doesn't claim her Miranda rights and answers questions. The interrogating officer asks her to sign a written statement, but she says that she wants counsel to read it over first.

Can Miranda be admissible?

A defendant's statements after asserting Miranda may also be admissible if he or she initiates the conversation. But that's only if the police give a fresh set Miranda of warnings once the discussion picks up. For example, assume officers take John into custody and give him the Miranda warnings.

Can you invoke Miranda rights after being a detainee?

There's no time limit for invoking Miranda rights. After receiving the warnings, a detainee may invoke the rights immediately or after answering some questions. Whenever that invocation occurs, the police must stop investigative questioning. But any statements preceding assertion of Miranda rights are likely to be admissible.

Is the internet secure?

The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. Once someone detained by the police invokes Miranda by expressing a desire to remain silent, have counsel present, or both, the police must stop interrogation.

How long do you have to wait to call police after being arrested?

Wait to be booked. The police will let you make a phone call after you are arrested. However, you typically have to wait until you have been “booked” before you get your call. As part of the booking process, you will have to do the following:

What to do after being arrested?

A qualified criminal defense attorney will help you arrange bail, advise you about your case, and start building your defense. Generally, if you face the possibility of time in jail for your conviction, then you have the right to an attorney.

Who is Clinton Sandvick?

Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 20,083 times.

What to do if you are arrested for a crime?

Figure out if you need a criminal defense lawyer. If you have been arrested for allegedly committing a crime, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Whether you were arrested for a minor criminal violation (e.g., state law possession of marijuana) or a serious felony (e.g., federal terrorism charges), a lawyer will help you negotiate with prosecutors, represent you in court, and ensure you receive a fair trial. Even if you do not end up hiring an attorney to represent you, they can still help you understand the charges against you.

How long does it take to get a public defender?

You can usually get a public defender if your income is low enough. After you are arrested, you will probably be taken before a judge within 24 hours for a “first appearance.”. At that time, the judge will ask if you can afford an attorney or if you want a public defender.

Can an attorney talk to the police?

The attorney will tell you not to talk about your case with the police (or anyone else). Your attorney will have other advice, which will depend on the details of your case. You should always listen to your attorney. Attorneys are trained professionals who have an ethical obligation to work in your best interest.

Do criminal defense attorneys get paid?

While some criminal defense attorneys will work for an hourly fee, most will want to be paid fixed fees up front. Work with the attorney to come up with an acceptable price for their services. If you do not have enough cash to pay for the attorney, ask if they will accept property.

What happens when you are arrested?

Once you are arrested, one of two things is going to happen. In every case, you are going to the precinct for finger printing, and processing. In some less serious charges, the officer has the right to issue you what is called a Desk Appearance Ticket. This means that, rather than having to wait in custody for up to twenty-four hours ...

What does it mean to be arraigned?

Arraignment means you are notified of the charges and a determination is made as to whether or not you should be released on bail. Arraignment is often a critical stage of a criminal case.

Do you have a right to not talk to police?

You have a right not to talk to any law enforcement officers who may ask you questions. They are likely to make you feel that if you do not speak to them, they’ll think you must be hiding something. It is their job to try to make you feel that way. Do not, under any circumstances, make any statements.

What happens when you are taken into custody?

Initially, when you are taken into custody by law enforcement, you are in their custody. You do not have any rights to leave at this time, until either they determine to release you, or the court does. One of the things that an officer is supposed to do is to inform you of your rights, and the most important of those rights is to tell you ...

What happens if you refuse a breathalyzer test?

If you refuse to take the test while waiting for your attorney, the officer will deem that you have refused to take it. Assuming that you can’t immediately get legal advice, most drivers (for reasons discussed elsewhere on this site) are best advised to take the alcohol test.

Can you be released without bail?

Arraignment is often a critical stage of a criminal case. At that point, you will be released either with or without bail, or if you cannot make bail, it is unlikely the amount of bail set at arraignment will ever be lowered.

Wendy B Mendelson

I agree with the other answer that you should consult with your attorney in WY regarding this issue. However, if this was in AZ, then having your blood drawn for suspiscion of DUI is not considered a criminal proceeding. The implied consent law means that when you are a driver in AZ you consent to certain physical and other tests when asked.

Steven W Zachary

First, you should talk with an attorney in Wyoming so I would post this question in Wyoming instead of Tucson. In Arizona, you do not have a right to have an attorney present when there is a blood draw if the police receive a search warrant to take your blood.

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