Being arrested is one of the most stressful, scariest, and most overwhelming experiences a person can face. Whether the arrest results from a misunderstanding, a mistake, or a criminal investigation, the actions you take in the hours and days that follow can have a great impact on your case. Knowing what to do when arrested for a crime in Pittsburgh, PA, can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Arrest
If you’ve been arrested in Pittsburgh, it’s important to remain calm, exercise your rights, and seek legal assistance.
The first thing you need to do is comply calmly with lawful instructions from law enforcement. Resisting arrest or arguing with officers can lead to additional charges and make your situation more difficult. Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid answering questions about the alleged offense until you have spoken with a lawyer. You should also clearly request legal representation as soon as possible.
Do not discuss your case with friends, family members, or anyone else over the phone, as those conversations could be used against you. Pay close attention to the details of your arrest, including what officers say and do, and share that information with your Pittsburgh criminal defense attorney. Taking these steps can help protect your rights and support your defense.
What Rights Do You Have After You’ve Been Arrested?
In 2022, 19% of Americans over 16 interacted with the police. If you’re stopped, detained, or arrested, it’s essential to know your rights. After an arrest, you retain important constitutional rights that help protect you throughout the criminal justice process.
One of the most important rights is the right to remain silent, which means you do not have to answer questions that could be used against you. You also have the right to an attorney and can request legal representation before speaking with law enforcement. In addition, you have the right to be informed of the charges against you, as well as the right to a fair and public trial if your case proceeds to court.
Law enforcement officers generally cannot conduct unreasonable searches or seizures, and any evidence obtained in violation of your rights may be challenged. Understanding and exercising these rights can help protect your interests and prevent mistakes that could harm your defense.
How Prosecutors Build Criminal Cases
After an arrest, prosecutors begin reviewing evidence to determine whether they can prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. They may rely on police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, physical evidence, forensic testing, cellphone records, and victim statements.
Prosecutors often work closely with law enforcement to gather additional evidence and strengthen their case before trial. Even seemingly minor details, such as social media posts or text messages, can be used as evidence.
Because prosecutors are focused on securing a conviction, anything you say after your arrest may be used against you. An experienced criminal defense attorney can examine the evidence, identify weaknesses in the case, challenge improperly obtained evidence, and develop a strategy to protect your rights and work toward maintaining your innocence.
Why Choose Louis W. Emmi, Attorney at Law
With 70% of the prison population being comprised of individuals who have not been convicted, awaiting court action, the importance of experienced legal representation cannot be overstated.
For over 40 years, Louis W. Emmi, Attorney at Law, has provided dedicated legal services to residents of Pittsburgh facing a wide variety of matters. As a litigation-focused firm, we prepare every case for court as part of our criminal defense strategy, even if we can resolve through a plea bargain or dismissal.
FAQs
How Long Can Police Hold Me After I’ve Been Arrested?
The amount of time police can hold you after an arrest depends on the circumstances of your case and the charges involved. Generally, you must be brought before a judge or magistrate within a reasonable period so that the court can review the charges and address issues such as bail.
Delays may occur for administrative processing, but law enforcement cannot hold you indefinitely without judicial review. An attorney can help protect your rights throughout the process.
What Is the Most Common Thing to Get Arrested For?
The most common reasons for arrest vary by jurisdiction, and it’s difficult to identify common charges specifically in Pittsburgh. However, across Pennsylvania, DUIs were the most common charges filed in 2023, accounting for 34,693 arrests.
Beyond this, drug-related offenses, theft, simple assault, and other public order violations are also common. Regardless of the charge, an arrest should always be taken seriously. Speak with a criminal defense attorney to understand your options and protect your rights.
What Information Must You Give to the Police in PA if You Are Detained?
If you are lawfully detained, you may be required to provide basic identifying information, such as your name and identification, when legally requested. However, you generally do not have to answer questions about where you’ve been, what you were doing, or other details that could be used against you.
You have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney before answering investigative questions. Remaining polite while exercising your rights can help protect you during the interaction.
How Long Do Police Have to File Charges in PA?
The time limit for filing criminal charges in Pennsylvania depends on the alleged offense. Many misdemeanor and felony offenses are subject to the statute of limitations, which often allows prosecutors several years to file charges. However, certain serious crimes may have longer deadlines or no statute of limitations at all. In some cases, charges are filed immediately after an arrest, while in others, investigators may continue gathering evidence before proceeding.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested for a crime, your future and freedom can be on the line. To protect your rights and begin working on your defense strategy, hire a criminal defense lawyer from Louis W. Emmi, Attorney at Law. Contact our office today to discuss your case. We can explain the state’s criminal defense laws, highlight your legal options, and get to work building your defense.
