Dealing with Kentucky law enforcement can be intimidating, especially if you have never faced any legal trouble in your past. In order to make an arrest, law enforcement must follow certain procedures and respect the rights of the suspect. Regardless of the potential charges you could face and the details of your individual situation, you have rights. It is in your interests to know your constitutional protections during an arrest and when in the custody of law enforcement.
It may be helpful to understand the legal procedures you may expect during the arrest process. Once you are in the custody of law enforcement, you will want to be aware of what you say, how you respond to questions and more. From the moment you learn of an investigation into your alleged criminal activities or immediately after they place you under arrest, you can begin working on your defense strategy.
During an arrest
It is beneficial to know how to conduct yourself during an arrest and what to expect from law enforcement as they take you into custody. There are strict protocols in place outlining everything from how law enforcement can make physical contact with you to when they can speak with you. You have the following rights:
- You have the right to remain silent and refrain from answering any questions.
- The prosecution may use anything you say during an arrest against you.
- You have the right to speak with an attorney before speaking with the police.
During an arrest, police may pat you down. After an arrest, law enforcement may do a more thorough search of your person. After an arrest and search, police will book you. This involves taking your fingerprints and your picture. After this, what will happen depends on the nature of your case and other factors. You may have to appear in court to answer to the charges brought against you.
Your defense starts now
Developing the right defense strategy starts now. If you are not yet facing charges or already formally charged, you can begin taking steps that will allow you to effectively fight for your rights and defend your future interests. Regardless of the nature of your case, your future is at stake, and it will be critical to take immediate action to shield your personal freedom and your rights at every step of the criminal justice process.
