What You Need To Know About Being Arrested
Being arrested can be a very scary experience. Whether you feel you are innocent or guilty, there are a couple things that you can expect after you get arrested. Here are some things you should know.
1. Just Because You Are Arrested Doesn't Mean You Will Be Charged
In order to be arrested, the police only need to have probable cause. Someone might have called and reported that you did something, the police may have witnessed something, or they could have some evidence that you committed a crime. After you have been arrested there is usually a short amount of time, usually a couple of days, that the police can hold you without charging you. During this time they collect evidence and see what else they can find to charge you. If the evidence is not sufficient, then they will let you go without any problems. However, if they do find enough evidence or reason to charge you, they will actually charge you with a crime.
2. You Will Get An Arraignment Quickly
If you are charged with a crime, they will set an arraignment fairly quickly. The arraignment is very important. This is the chance that you will have to declare whether you believe that you are innocent or guilty. If you plea guilty then the judge may just sentence you right there. You could be fined, get a prison sentence, or be released with a warning. It all depends on your past transgressions and the situation surrounding the charge. If you plea not guilty, then you will have bail set and you will start the process of a trial. Just because the courts are preparing for a trial doesn't mean that you will actually go to trial. At any point you can take a plea bargain or a deal. This is a decision that you should make with your lawyer.
3. You May Wait A Long Time For Your Trial
Although you are entitled to a speedy trial, the word speedy may mean different things to you and to the courts. Usually you will have to wait a couple months while the prosecution puts together their case. This is your chance to work with your lawyer to determine the best defense. If you are out on bail during this time you must follow the rules set by the judge or you will be put in jail without any option for bail until the trial.
These are just some of the things you need to know about being charged with a crime. For more information, contact a professional like The Law Office of Gregory J. Hermiller, LLC.