About Criminal Law & Your Rights

Introduction

The criminal justice system protects us by arresting and jailing criminals. Yet not everyone who is arrested is a bad guy. Someday, you, a family member, or a close friend may be accused of committing a crime and be arrested. This information provides an overview of the rights of those who have been arrested and explains how your lawyer can help protect your rights.

Arrest by Law Enforcement Officers

[Photo] An arrest for a criminal offense, such as DUI, can involve handcuffs and questioning.

In an arrest, a law enforcement agent, such as a police officer, a sheriff, or a state trooper constrains your freedom of movement because of your possible involvement in a criminal offense. In some cases, the arresting officer may take you into custody; in others, you may be stopped, verbally or physically, so that you can be questioned about a crime.

An arrest warrant is a written order by a judge directing the police to arrest the person named in the warrant. If a warrant for your arrest has been issued, the police may arrest you in your home or in a public place. At the time of your arrest, the officers making the arrest should tell you that they have a warrant and show it to you.

The police can also arrest you without a warrant if they have reason to believe that you have committed a felony, such as robbery, murder or drug offenses. If you are arrested without a warrant for a felony or a misdemeanor, you are entitled to a prompt hearing to determine whether the officers had the minimum level of evidence required for a legal arrest.

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