Being accused of a criminal offense in Oklahoma can be scary, especially if you are not aware of your legal rights during a search or after being arrested by authorities. The following are the top five criminal defense questions often asked in regards to the rights of the accused, which can help those charged with …
Being accused of a criminal offense in Oklahoma can be scary, especially if you are not aware of your legal rights during a search or after being arrested by authorities. The following are the top five criminal defense questions often asked in regards to the rights of the accused, which can help those charged with Oklahoma crimes protect themselves from violations of their legal rights. Most importantly, if you are arrested for a crime in Oklahoma, your first course of action should be to contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center. Having a criminal defense team on your side, you can protect your legal rights and significantly improve your chances of having your charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
What should I do if I am arrested?
If you are arrested by Oklahoma police, first and foremost, do not resist arrest, as this can lead to additional charges. Also, be sure to provide your correct name and address, and invoke your right to remain silent by voicing your desire not to answer any further questions. Your next step should be to request a lawyer, despite any claims the authorities make that cooperation and answering their questions will speed the process along. In reality, they are gathering evidence for prosecution, so be sure to contact a criminal defense attorney before answering.
What are my rights after being arrested?
After being arrested for a criminal offense in Oklahoma, you have the right to contact someone, which may take more than one phone call. This is allowed. You also have the right to have a lawyer present if appearing in a line-up for identification. According to the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, and you also have a right to reasonable bail or bond if established by the court.
What is a search warrant?
A search warrant is a court order issued by a judge giving authorities permission to conduct a search. Keep in mind that a search warrant dictates a search for specific items in a specific place at a specified time; it’s not just a general sweep of your personal space in hopes of finding something incriminating.
Do I have the right to refuse a search?
You may be allowed to refuse a search by authorities if you are not under arrest and if the officials do not have a search warrant. If you are unsure about whether or not to allow a search to proceed, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately to discuss your rights in this situation.
Are the police required to inform me of my right to refuse a search?
With a search warrant in hand, authorities are not required to inform a person of his or her right to refuse a search. By allowing a search, the court has determined that the person has waived his or her Constitutional rights. Anything found during the search becomes evidence admissible in court.