Ask a Criminal Defense Lawyer: What to Expect After Getting Arrested
If you’ve been arrested, then it’s understandable to want to know what’s going to happen next. Once you hire a criminal defense lawyer in Oklahoma City, they can talk you through all the steps of what to expect in detail. Below, you’ll also find some helpful information on what can happen after you’re arrested.
Ask a Criminal Defence Lawyer in Oklahoma City: What to Expect After Getting Arrested
Expect to Invoke Your Rights
Once arrested, expect to invoke your Miranda rights straightaway. You may have heard officers on TV say, “You have the right to remain silent.” This is true for real life. It’s best to avoid answering any questions until you can speak to an attorney.
Expect to Go to Jail
Going to jail can sound scary, but you won’t remain there indefinitely. You’ll need to be booked in, which is a process that can take several hours. Once you arrive in jail, it may take several hours before you can inform your family about your arrest and seek legal counsel.
Expect to Hire an Attorney
You need to hire an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. An attorney should be one of the first people you contact once you’re allowed to make phone calls after being booked into jail. You’ll want to speak to the lawyer before you speak to law enforcement about the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Contact an attorney even if you know you didn’t commit the crime you’re being charged with.
Check out this site to get in touch with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you out with a vast number of charges, and use the page to read up on criminal defense cases.
Expect to Pay a Bail/Bond
To get out of jail, you’ll usually need to pay a bail/bond. How much you need to pay depends on your charges. You can pay your bail/bond in cash if you wish, but this isn’t always possible, especially if you need to pay a very high sum. In these cases, you can hire a bail bondsman. Once your bail/bond is paid, you should be free to go.
Expect to Appear In Court
The first court date after your arrest will be in arraignment. This is where you’ll either plead guilty or not guilty and you’ll receive your next court date. If you’re facing a felony charge, then you need to attend a Preliminary Hearing Conference 30 to 60 days after your arraignment.
You may be offered a plea bargain at this conference, which you can take then and there. If you’re not offered a plea bargain, or if you plan to plead not guilty, then you’ll need to attend a preliminary hearing.
Expect to Attend a Preliminary Hearing and Jury Trial
At the preliminary hearing, the prosecutor must show probable cause that you committed the crime you’re being charged with. You’ll win your hearing if the prosecutor can’t show probable cause. If the prosecution can show probable cause, then you’ll move on to a jury trial.
If you’ve been arrested, then you can expect to be questioned for your crimes, but you can remain silent until you have a lawyer representing you. You’ll need to attend several court dates after you’re released from jail, and you’ll need an attorney by your side for all of them.