Being arrested is a frightening experience and the beginning of a long process of dealing with police, lawyers, courts and other officials. Your behavior and actions during this time can significantly impact the outcome of your case, both in terms of the immediate situation and any subsequent legal proceedings. It’s essential to remain calm and avoid any actions that could be perceived as resisting or assaulting an officer, which can lead to additional charges. Additionally, it’s important to understand your rights and how they apply in the context of an arrest.
To be considered an arrest, law enforcement officers must have probable cause that the person they are detaining has committed a crime. This usually means that the individual has committed an act that violates a state or local law, such as shoplifting or a robbery. The individual can be arrested in public, at their home or other private property, and they may be handcuffed during the process.
When someone is arrested, the police must notify them of their charges and their rights. They can also search any premises that they are on for evidence relating to the crime. They can even search the property of a family member or friend, as long as they have probable cause to believe that there is evidence at that location. Once they have finished processing the individual, they will be arraigned in court. Arraignment happens within a few days of the arrest and is the first opportunity for the individual to hear the People’s version of the facts surrounding the case.