The Rights of Individuals in Police Custody in Orange County

Being arrested and taken into police custody can be a jarring experience, especially if this is your first interaction with the criminal justice system. Once you’ve been placed under arrest by law enforcement, specific procedures need to be followed by the police officer who is arresting you. When your constitutional rights are violated, your attorney can petition the court to throw out any evidence gathered against you in violation of those rights. 

Understanding your rights while in police custody in Orange County can help you protect yourself and your freedom. For assistance after an arrest in California, the Southern California criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo can help.

Your Rights If You Are Arrested or Taken to a Police Station in Orange County

Encounters with law enforcement can be stressful, and law enforcement officers do not always act ethically, fairly, or legally when arresting citizens. Police officers must read your Miranda rights when placing you in police custody. Failure to do so could result in incriminating statements you may make being dismissed as evidence against you in court.

If you are arrested or if a police officer takes you to the police station, you should tell the officer your name and basic identifying information, but you have a constitutional right to remain silent. You should say to the police officer arresting you, “I want to remain silent,” and “I want to talk to a lawyer.” Law enforcement should stop questioning you after you tell them that. Do not try to give excuses, explanations, or justifications or make decisions in your case before you speak to an attorney.

Additionally, you are entitled to three phone calls within three hours of being arrested or immediately after being booked. You can call a bail bond agent, relative, lawyer, or any other person. If you have children under 18, you are entitled to two additional calls to arrange childcare. You should assume that law enforcement officers are recording your calls except for your call with your attorney.

Do I Have a Right to Record Encounters with Law Enforcement in California?

If you are in public, consider recording your interaction with the policeman when it’s safe. You have the right to record police officers in various public spaces. For example, you may record on sidewalks, streets, and parks. 

If there is any abuse when you are arrested, it’s crucial that you discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible. Police officers cannot engage in police brutality when arresting citizens. If this happens to you, you may have a right to bring a civil claim against the police officer.

Arrested in Orange County? You Need an Aggressive Defense Attorney on Your Side

Attorney William W. Bruzzo is prepared to fight for your rights if you are facing criminal charges in Orange County, California. He has a proven track record of defending clients accused of crimes, including domestic violence, drunk driving, hit and run, theft, and all other misdemeanors and felonies. He will use his decades of experience and aggressive negotiating skills to pursue the best outcome possible in your case. 

Contact Bruzzo Law today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation and learn more about how the Orange County, CA, criminal defense attorney William W. Bruzzo can fight for you.