RI Criminal Defense Lawyers: Arrested in Rhode Island – Part 4
The Rhode Island criminal defense attorneys at Robert E. Craven & Associates represent clients for all crimes throughout the state. Our experienced and successful attorneys are prepared to vigorously defend you or your family member today.
This is Part 4 of our criminal defense blog series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) about your rights during an arrest in Rhode Island.
Right to an attorney
If you are arrested in Rhode Island, you should immediately request an attorney. Even if you think you can “explain” the situation to officers, any statement you make has the potential to harm you. The only statement that can benefit you is “I want a lawyer,” at which time you should immediately call the criminal defense attorneys at Robert E. Craven & Associates.
If the police want to question you while you’re in custody they must inform you of your Miranda Rights. These rights are typically stated as follows:
“ You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights? ”
These rights stem from the U.S. Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona, which protects individuals in police custody from questioning without a informing them of their Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Once you tell the police you want an attorney, they must stop questioning you.
Right to a confidential telephone call
Under Rhode Island law, you have the right to make a confidential telephone call to as soon as possible after your arrest. This right allows you to contact a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney and/or obtain bail. Your right to a confidential telephone call is typically required within one hour of your arrest. When you’re allowed your phone call, immediately call our criminal defense attorneys so that we can advocate on your behalf!
Right to bail
Once you are arrested and charged with a crime in Rhode Island, you will be brought before a judge or bail commissioner to be arraigned (informed of the charges against you). Your bail will then be set. In Rhode Island, bail is either personal recognizance (your promise to appear in court at a later date) or surety bail (posting bail yourself or hiring a bail bondsman).
However, for the most severe crimes, a defendant may not be entitled to bail until a bail hearing occurs. Our attorneys handle these matters on a regular basis, know the law, and can argue to get you or your loved one out on bail. Allow our experienced criminal defense attorneys to fight for you at your bail hearing to ensure your freedom today!
Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Rhode Island, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Robert E. Craven & Associates today. We can provide you with a free consultation and immediately begin working on your defense!
