Were Your Rights Violated During Your Arrest?

An arrest is stressful and confusing. Being taken into custody by federal, state, or local law enforcement officers can be overwhelming. You may feel like you have no power. However, you have very important rights under the law. If your rights were violated during or after an arrest, there are remedies available. Here, our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney explains the key things to know about your rights when being arrested in Texas.

Know Your Rights During an Arrest in Texas

Have questions about whether your rights were violated during an arrest in Texas? As a starting point, it is essential that you have an understanding of the rights that you have under the law. Here are five specific rights that you should know about:

• Right to Remain Silent:You are not obligated to answer any questions posed by the police, and anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You are never required to answer any questions from a police officer. You should always exercise your right to remain silent. What you say can be twisted or otherwise used against you in court.
• Right to be Informed of Charges: You have the right to be informed of the charges against you and the basis for the arrest. If you were not informed properly about the charges or the arrest, contact a defense lawyer right away.
• Right to be Free from Excessive Force:Law enforcement officers are not allowed to use excessive force when arresting you or during your detention. A person harmed by excessive force may potentially have a civil rights claim.
• Right to be Free from Unreasonable Searches/Seizures:The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police officers must have a warrant, probable cause, or consent to search you, your vehicle, or your home.
• Right to Consult With an Attorney: You have the right to consult with an attorney before answering any questions or making any statements, and you may have an attorney present during questioning.

My Rights Were Violated During an Arrest: What Now?

The violation of your constitutional rights should not stand unchallenged. There are legal remedies available. If you believe your rights were violated during an arrest, it is crucial to act promptly. The first step is to contact a criminal defense attorney experienced in handling such cases. They can assess the circumstances of your arrest and help determine if your rights were indeed violated. If so, your attorney may be able to file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, depending on the nature of the violation. Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorney is prepared to help.

Call Our Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer for Immediate Help

At The Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, our Texas criminal defense lawyer is standing by, ready to fight for your rights and your options every step of the way. If you believe that your rights were violated during an arrest, we are ready to help. Contact us now for a fully confidential, no strings attached appointment. Our firm serves Fort Worth and communities throughout North Central Texas.