Getting arrested can be a frightening experience. Fortunately, there are laws in place here in Maryland that are designed to protect you. It\u2019s important to know your rights beforehand, so that you\u2019re prepared if you find yourself in this situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is an arrest?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n First, let\u2019s take a step back and define exactly what it means to be arrested. Simply put, an arrest is when a police officer takes someone into custody. An officer might arrest someone if they have probable cause to believe that the person has committed a crime or is about to commit a crime, or if that person seems to be a danger to themself or others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How does that differ from an arrest warrant?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An arrest warrant is a written order by a judge or a magistrate ordering the police to arrest the person named in the warrant. If the police have a warrant for your arrest, they are required to tell you upfront that they have one, and they also need to show the warrant to you at the time of your arrest (or immediately thereafter).<\/p>\n\n\n\n What happens during an arrest?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While specific situations can vary, an arrest generally involves the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What rights do you have when you\u2019re arrested?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Under Maryland law, you have certain rights that can\u2019t be violated, regardless of circumstance. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The right to remain silent. <\/strong>These are part of the Miranda rights mentioned above. You are not required to answer any questions that the police ask you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The right to an attorney.<\/strong> If you\u2019ve been arrested, you are entitled to have a lawyer present during questioning and at any other stage of the process. If you can\u2019t afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The right to a fair trial.<\/strong> You have the right to a trial by jury and to be able to face your accusers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The right to be free from self-incrimination. <\/strong>You can\u2019t be forced to testify against yourself. What should you do if you\u2019re arrested?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some tips for what to do and say if you\u2019re arrested in the state of Maryland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, the most important thing you should do if you\u2019re arrested is to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. This person will work hard to help you understand your rights and to protect your interests throughout the criminal process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
The right to due process of law. <\/strong>You are entitled to fair treatment by the police and the courts. Your attorney\u2019s job is to help ensure that you get this fair treatment.
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