What happens when you get arrested? Whether it’s your first time or you have had run-ins with the police before, being arrested can be a scary and traumatizing experience. If you have been arrested in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Nevada, it is important that you understand the arrest process and your rights so you can protect your freedoms and liberty.
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Cooperate with the Police Without Volunteering Information
After the police place you under arrest, you must remain compliant and follow the officer’s directions. Your arrest conduct can have a significant impact on your processing and trial, so stay calm, say “Yes, sir/ma’am,” and don’t raise your voice or try to argue your way out. You only have to provide basic identifying information and can decline to answer any more specific questions until you have your attorney present.
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Invoke Your Miranda Rights
You have a right to remain silent when being arrested. This right to stay silent and consult with an attorney is one of your core Miranda rights, and it prevents individuals from incriminating themselves when being detained. You can invoke your Miranda rights by clearly stating that you will not answer any questions and want to speak to your attorneys. If the police violate your Miranda rights, it could be grounds for a case dismissal.
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Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
Once you are able, contact a criminal defense attorney. They can be present when the police question you, push back against inappropriate questions, advise you against incriminating yourself, and help you navigate the criminal justice system. Your choice of attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your criminal case, so make sure to choose an experienced defense lawyer.
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Contact a Family Member or Trusted Acquaintance for Bail
If the judge believes you pose a danger to the community or are a flight risk, they may set bail. In Nevada, any party can post bail for a detained individual, such as a family member, acquaintance, or personal representative. Once you post bail, you must show up to your scheduled hearing, or else you will forfeit any cash bail.
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Go to Court or Have a Lawyer Represent You at Court
Once you have been released after your initial arrest, the state will schedule an arraignment — the hearing where you plead guilty or not guilty to the charges. If you enter a guilty plea, you waive your right to trial, and your case will proceed immediately to sentencing. In many cases, an attorney might be able to negotiate a lesser criminal charge if you plead guilty.
If you plead not guilty, the state will schedule a trial date and begin pre-trial procedures. At your trial, both your attorney and the prosecution will present evidence and arguments in front of a jury, which will then deliberate whether you are guilty of the charges.
The Criminal Defense Lawyers at Adras & Altig Can Help You
If you have been arrested in Las Vegas, time is of the essence, and you need to start working with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Contact Adras & Altig online or call today to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney who’s ready to fight for your rights and freedom.
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At Adras & Altig, we believe that every client we work with deserves a fresh start. Our dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys take the time to get to know you so we can understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest.