Your Rights after an Arrest in Los Angeles
If you have been arrested in southern California, you have a number of rights that are protected by law. If you have ever been arrested, or have ever watched a cop drama on television, you have probably heard about “Miranda Rights.” This is when the arresting officer informs you about your right to remain silent and your right to have a lawyer present while you are being questioned. From that point on, everything you say can and will most likely be used against you in court.
Once you have been read your rights, the authorities can ask you questions about whether you want to have an attorney present or not. You retain the right, however, to decline to answer those questions until your lawyer is by your side. Voluntarily giving up your right to not answer questions is a mistake that can adversely affect your case. If you answer questions and then decide that you no longer want to speak without an attorney, the authorities must respect your decision and allow you to contact a lawyer.
