Tag Archives: detention arrest

Criminal Defense Attorney | Arrest | Detention

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Blick Law

cop.previewAn encounter with law enforcement can be very intimidating, and it is natural to feel nervous that you are in some way violating the law. However, an arrest and a detention are very distinctive situations that have different conditions as far as your rights. It is very important to remember the distinction between a detention and an arrest, so that you understand what your rights are should one of these situations occur.

It is important to understand that if law enforcement confronts you, this does not always mean that you are under arrest. Remaining calm and maintaining civility are the best actions to take when being questioned by the police. It is also important to avoid running away, and always keep your hands visible to that the police can see them. The police need reasonable suspicion to detain an individual, and you have the right to ask the police why you have been detained. If you are not under arrest, you have the right to walk away. If the police still proceed to arrest you, you have the right to speak with an criminal defense attorney.

Law enforcement must have probable cause or a warrant to make an arrest. If a law enforcement officer has a reasonable belief, that there is in fact a high probability that you have been involved in criminal activity, the police officer may arrest you. If you are arrested, this means that you are officially being charged with a crime. As opposed to a detainment, you do not have the right to leave once an arrest has taken place. Once the arrest has been made, you can be held in jail for up to 24 hours, and you may have to pay bail to be released from custody.

It is important to quickly seek legal representation upon an arrest to protect your rights. A Criminal Defense Attorney can provide you with legal counsel, and advise you in regards to your rights. An experienced lawyer can also advise you in the actions and procedures that need to take place going forward. If you have been arrested, or issued a traffic citation, call Blick Law Firm today for a free 15-minute consultation. Think Quick, Call Blick!

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Criminal Arrests Tampa

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Blick Law

When confronted by police, people often become nervous because they are unsure if they may be in violation of some ordinance or law. The difference between merely being detained by police and arrested creates different limitations to your rights. It is important to understand what you can do. Police may stop you, and it is not considered an arrest if you are just briefly detained.

In the event you are stopped for questioning, it is important to remain calm, be polite, keep your hands visible at all times, and do not attempt to flee. You do have the right to remain silent, however, it is best to identify yourself first and then notify the officer that you are exercising your right to silence.

If you are unsure of the situation, you can ask the officer why you have been detained and if you are under arrest. If at that time you are not under arrest, you have the right to leave. If the officer proceeds to arrest you, you have the right to speak to a Criminal Defense Attorney.

An arrest occurs only upon a determination of “probable cause”, this means the officer must have more than just a “suspicion”, the officer must have a “reasonable belief” that you committed a crime. Once the arrest is made, an officer can lawfully conduct a search incident to arrest of your person for weapons, evidence, and contraband. At this point, the officer can hold you in jail for up to 24 hours, or until a warrant is issued for the charges.

Anytime you are stopped and arrested it is important to quickly consult a Criminal Attorney regarding your rights and advice on what you should do. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, or even issued a citation for a traffic violation, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule an appointment for a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

 

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