Because most people haven’t actually been arrested and don’t work in law enforcement, there are a lot of myths surrounding criminal charges and processes. Unfortunately, TV shows and movies don’t do a lot to help get rid of the myths – so here’s what you need to know.
3 Myths About Criminal Charges You Might Believe
When you’re arrested, it’s because police believe or suspect that you’ve committed a crime. Once you’re in police custody, you’ll stay there until they let you go or a judge lets you go – and everything that happens between those two instances is surrounded by myth. Three of the most common myths include:
- If police don’t read me my rights, my case will be thrown out of court.
- If I get a lawyer, I’ll look guilty.
- Police have to stop questioning me if I tell them to.
Let’s look at each on its own.
Myth #1: If police don’t read me my rights, my case will be thrown out of court.
Police don’t always have to read you your rights. In fact, they only have to read them to you if you’re in police custody and they’re going to question you. If police haven’t detained you, but you answer their questions, everything that you’ve told them can still be used against you in court.
Myth #2: If I get a lawyer, I’ll look guilty.
Everyone who has been arrested has the right to an attorney, and for good reason: We all have constitutional rights that a lawyer can protect. Even if you’re accused of a crime that you didn’t commit, it’s in your best interest to have an experienced, qualified and knowledgeable lawyer by your side to protect your rights and fight for you.
If you get a criminal defense lawyer, you won’t look guilty. You’ll look smart, because you know that your rights are precious and that people are falsely convicted more often than anyone wants to admit.
Myth #3: Police have to stop questioning me if I tell them to.
Police don’t have to stop asking you questions when you tell them you don’t want to answer. The only way to legally stop police from interrogating you is to tell them that you refuse to answer any further questions without your lawyer present. Until then, they can keep asking you questions.
Do You Need to Talk to a Lawyer About Criminal Charges?
If you’ve been arrested and accused of a crime, we can help protect your rights.
Call us right now at 414-383-6700 for a free case review now. You’ll talk to a lawyer who can answer your questions and build a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome.
