What to Do If You’re Arrested and How Long Police Can Hold You Without Charge
Being placed under arrest can be a frightening and confusing experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to know your rights and how to protect yourself. The first thing you should do is remain calm and avoid saying anything that could incriminate yourself. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you in court. Next, you should ask to speak with an attorney. You have the right to have an attorney present during any questioning, and it is always best to have legal assistance when dealing with the criminal justice system. Finally, you should consider contacting a bail bonds service. In many cases, bail can be set at a high amount, making it difficult for defendants to gain their release from jail. A bail bonds service can help you secure your release by posting bail on your behalf.
There’s a bail bonds service that operates in Wasatch County, Utah that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers competitive rates and flexible payment options.
The period of time that police can legally hold a suspect without charging them with a crime varies from state to state in the United States. There are several places where police can keep a suspect for up to 48 hours before filing formal charges. A suspect can be detained for no more than 24 hours in several states before being formally charged. Some states have no statutory limit on how long police can detain a person before filing formal charges.
The nature of the crime for which an individual is being held is a factor in determining how long law enforcement can detain them. As an illustration, a person accused of murder can typically be detained without charge for a longer period of time than someone suspected of shoplifting. The maximum period of time police can detain a suspect before filing charges are set by each individual state’s legislation. However, law enforcement typically cannot detain a suspect indefinitely before filing formal criminal charges.
Most people will automatically associate being arrested with being taken into police custody. However, getting arrested and being detained in jail are two quite different things. When law enforcement officials detain a suspect in order to file criminal charges, that is called an arrest. On the other hand, detention is when law enforcement agencies hold someone in custody for an extended period of time to investigate a crime or to keep the public safe. Detainees are often released from custody without ever facing criminal charges.
A person may initially be detained without being charged with a crime; however, if the police later decide they have sufficient evidence to charge the person with a crime, they may do so. If you are ever taken into police custody, it is important to know the difference between these two legal concepts.
The consequences of being held in custody without charge
There are personal and societal ramifications to being detained without a charge. A person’s loss of liberty and potential loss of income due to the inability to work while in custody are both negative outcomes. Stress and worry can set in, as can feelings of helplessness and isolation. When people who have been detained without charges are released, it can lead to a decline in public trust in the justice system and an increase in criminal activity. Moreover, it can cause distrust between the police and the locals. Being detained without a formal charge can have far-reaching effects on both the detainee and the community at large.
How to get released from police custody
If you are under arrest, the police must “read you your rights.” You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If you can’t afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. If you want to talk to the police, tell them that you want a lawyer present. The police may question you after they read you your Miranda warnings, but anything you say can be used against you in court. Once you ask for a lawyer, the police cannot question you until your lawyer is present. If the police question you without reading your Miranda warnings or after you ask for a lawyer, anything you say can’t be used against you in court. You should still give your name and address when asked. When released on bail, sign all documents before leaving. Get a copy of everything you sign and keep it with your other important papers. If convicted of a crime, get a copy of the conviction and keep it with your other important papers too. Keep this information in a secure place where only you have access to it.
You can remain silent and consult a lawyer. Do not sign anything before seeing a lawyer. After 48 hours, cops must release you or charge you with a felony.