For many people, being charged with a crime can be a frightening experience. You may be confused about what’s going to happen and you may not be quite sure how to respond to the police officers. Your best chance of obtaining a favorable resolution is to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. After you retain the services of a criminal defense attorney serving Columbus, he or she can help you understand your legal rights and answer all of your questions.
Arrest Process
It is possible to be charged with a crime prior to being arrested. A judge can issue an arrest warrant for you if you’re charged with a crime, which means that police officers will then look for you. If the police officers find you, they can arrest you immediately. However, under criminal law, they must provide you with a copy of the arrest warrant. The arrest warrant will list the crime you’re being charged with . One of your Miranda rights is the right to have a criminal defense attorney represent you. After being arrested, it’s imperative to contact a lawyer right away to protect your legal rights.
Booking Procedure
Once you’ve been taken to the police station, you’ll be booked. This means that an officer will take your fingerprints, record your name, and take your mug shot, which is a photograph of you. An officer will also take your personal possessions. As long as your possessions are not considered to be contraband or evidence of a crime, they will be returned from you upon your release. Police officers routinely perform a pat down of all suspects when they are arrested to check for weapons or contraband. In some cases, a more intrusive full body search is part of the booking process.
Court Hearing
After you’ve been booked, you’ll wait in a cell until it’s time for your initial court hearing. The purpose of this hearing is not to assess your guilt or innocence. Rather, you’ll enter a plea of “guilty” or “not guilty.” Your criminal defense attorney will represent you at this hearing. At this time, your lawyer can argue for the judge to set bail, which provides a way for you to be released from jail while awaiting trial.