how long can the police detain you after you ask for a lawyer

by Prof. Chadrick Nienow PhD 3 min read

Full Answer

How long can the police detain you?

So how long can the police detain you depends on the particular situation, the severity of the case being investigated, and the particular officer involved. If you or someone you know have been charged with a crime, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney that can help zealously defend your case.

Can a police officer legally detain you?

Although police officers are allowed to detain people in order to help them pursue leads and figure out what happened in a given situation, there are certain limitations on this power of detainment. First, the police officer must tell you whether or not you are actually being detained.

What happens after you are questioned by the police?

After the questioning is over, you’ll most likely be released. Officers must have reasonable suspicion to detain a suspect, but this also usually means they don’t have probable cause to arrest you. If they answer yes to detainment, try and remain as silent as possible. Remember, you have the right to remain silent.

What questions should you ask when being detained by the police?

“Am I Being Detained?” If police officers are commanding that you go with them, according to Tsion Chudnovsky, a criminal defense attorney in Orange County, your first question should be to ask whether you’re being detained. Detention is similar to an arrest in that you’re not free to leave.

What is the longest a police can hold you?

Generally, the standard time the police can hold you for is 24 hours until they will need to charge you with a criminal offence or release you. In exceptional circumstances, they can apply to hold you for longer, up to 36 or 96 hours. This is usually if you are suspected of more serious crimes such a murder.

How long can police detain you without charge UK?

The police can hold you for up to 24 hours before they have to charge you with a crime or release you. They can apply to hold you for up to 36 or 96 hours if you're suspected of a serious crime, eg murder. You can be held without charge for up to 14 days If you're arrested under the Terrorism Act.

How long after an offence can you be charged?

For offences under the Customs Acts, proceedings may commence within 2 years from the date of the offence. For offences under the Revenue Acts, proceedings may commence within 10 years from the date of the offence.

How long can you be under investigation?

Statute of Limitations in Federal Crime Cases For most federal crimes, the statute of limitations is five years. Bank fraud has a statute of limitations of ten years. Immigration violations and arson are also subject to a ten year limit.

How long can police detain you?

The answer is as long as it reasonably takes police to conduct the investigation. For example, if you’ve been stopped for speeding, police can technically only detain you long enough to check your paperwork and write you a speeding ticket.

What happens if you challenge a detention?

If you choose to challenge a detention, your lawyer will have to argue that police kept you longer than necessary under the circumstances. If the judge agrees, any criminal charges that resulted from your detention will likely be dropped.

What is a reasonable duration for a police officer?

However, a reasonable duration usually includes asking for your name, address, date of birth, to see an ID, and a few additional questions. You should identify yourself to the police.

How long does it take to get arrested in Indiana?

Indiana law says you must be taken in front of a judicial officer promptly. Generally, you must be charged with a crime within 48 to 72 hours. That means you should either be let go or appear in front of a judge within a few days. How long you wait can depend on the prosecutor reviewing the evidence and deciding on charging you or when a judge is available.

Should I walk away from a police stop?

During a stop in public or in your car, should ask if you are free to leave. If the police say yes, you should calmly walk or drive away. If the police say you are free to go but you stay, then your presence makes it a legal stop.

What happens if a judge finds you indigent?

If the judge found you to be indigent, he would appoint counsel for you. The judge, not the defendant, decides whether the defendant can afford to hire a lawyer. I've seen several cases where a defendant had resources, but didn't want to expend them on legal counsel.

Which amendment gives you the right to refuse to answer questions?

The first is your Sixth Amendment right to counsel; the second is your Fifth Amendment right to refuse to answer any questions. The Supreme Court has ruled that both rights must be clearly and unequivocally invoked in order for statements made later to be ruled inadmissible.

What happens if you invoke the 6th amendment?

If someone were to invoke their Sixth Amendment right to counsel, but then continue to answer questions from the police willingly, they would run the risk of the court finding a waiver of their Fifth Amendment rights. There are two separate rights that you want to invoke when asking for a lawyer.

Is a policeman your friend?

All of this adds up to one fact: generally speaking, the policeman is not your friend. Although they pretend to be, to get you to admit to things that you may or may not have done. Google "why you shouldn't talk to police" and watch the YouTube videos, especially the second one, a lecture by a cop.

Can you be released if you have enough evidence?

There may be a couple variations to these options but these are basically what would occur. The short answer is that you would most likely be released, unless they have enough evidence to charge you with a crime. Either way, informing them you want a lawyer and choosing not to talk is ALWAYS your best bet.

Can a police officer interrogate a person in custody?

As far as Miranda itself goes, briefly, the rule is that before a police officer can interrogate a subject who is in custody, the subject must be advised of his Miranda rights. Note the two concepts: interrogation ( viz ., questioning) and custody.

Is it a crime to represent yourself as an attorney?

Continue Reading. In every state of which I am aware, it is a criminal offense for a person to represent themselves as an attorney unless they are actually admitted to the bar. In many cases, the offense is complete if you just offer legal advice, although the bar is set higher there.

How Long Can the Police Detain You After a Traffic Stop?

To make a traffic stop, the Nebraska police must have a “reasonable suspicion” that you have committed a crime (with the exception of DUI roadblocks).

How Long Can the Police Detain You Without Arrest?

In Nebraska, as well as elsewhere in the United States, the police can detain you when they have a reasonable suspicion that you have committed a crime.

How Long Can the Police Detain You Without Charge?

Once they arrest you, how long can the police detain you without charging you? The general rule is that once you are placed under arrest, the police cannot detain you without charge for more than 72 hours. Special circumstances might justify small deviations in one direction or the other.

Your Rights After Arrest

You enjoy certain rights when the police arrest you. You cannot exercise some of these rights unless you know about them:

Tips for Detainees

Say you wish to remain silent and don’t give any explanations or excuses, even if you are innocent.

What happens if you are detained but not booked?

If you're detained, but not booked within a reasonable time, your attorney may go to a judge and obtain a writ of habeas corpus . A "writ of habeas corpus" is an order issued by the court instructing the police to bring you before the court so that a judge may decide if you're being lawfully held.

What happens if you are arrested?

If you're arrested, a prosecutor will review your case before making an independent decision on what charges should be filed. A prosecutor is not bound by the initial charging decision, but may later change the charged crimes once more evidence is obtained.

What is the right to a speedy trial?

The Right to a Speedy Trial: The Constitution and State Time Limits. The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed to criminal defendants by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution . A " speedy trial " basically means that the defendant must be "tried" for the alleged crimes within a reasonable time after being arrested.

How long does it take to get a speedy trial?

As a general rule: If you're placed in custody, your "speedy trial" rights typically require the prosecutor to decide charges within 72 hours. Many states adhere to this 72-hour limit. Sometimes, no charges are filed, and you will be released.

What does it mean to be tried?

Being tried means the prosecutor reviews the crime and details and decides if they want to pursue a criminal case. The case could go to trial, be dropped at a later point, or be settled outside of court.

Is it stressful to be arrested?

Getting arrested is probably one of the most stressful experiences you can go through in life, not to mention the hardship it can put on your loved ones. There's a lot to worry about during this time. You need to understand: Your rights as an inmate. The arrest process. When you'll be released.

Can you be arrested without charges?

Although arrestees cannot be held without formal charges for an unreasonable amount of time, the Constitution does not spell out what this time is. Instead, these are typically set forth by state law, and the time period differs from state to state.

What happens when you are detained by police?

When you’re detained by police officers, it’s usually for “brief and cursory” questioning. After the questioning is over, you’ll most likely be released. Officers must have reasonable suspicion to detain a suspect, but this also usually means they don’t have probable cause to arrest you.

What happens if you are not arrested?

Think about the answers to the first two questions you asked. If you’re not being detained and you’re not being arrested, chances are you are free to go. The police cannot keep you without probable cause or reasonable suspicion.

What does it mean when someone asks you to search your house?

So if they’re asking to search your things or asking to enter your home/your car, that usually means they don’t have a warrant and are asking for your consent. Ask whether they have a warrant and if they say no, then you can legally refuse the officers. If they disregard this and continue anyway, call your lawyer ASAP.

Can you be arrested without probable cause?

You cannot be arrested without probable cause. So if you are being arrested, ask why you are. You have the right to know what you’re being arrested for and charged with.

Do you have to give consent to police?

In general, you shouldn’t give your consent to police officers. They need warrants to search you, your property, or your home. They also need an arrest warrant if they’ve come specifically to arrest you.

Do police have agendas?

Remember: The police know the law well. You probably don’t.

Can you be searched by police if you don't consent?

Or perhaps they are attempting to pin a crime on you. Whatever the case with voluntary interactions, you can end the interaction legally at any time. You also cannot be searched by the police or have your things searched if you don’t consent.

What happens if you are not free to go to the police?

If the police say you are not free to go, you're being detained. You will have to stay until the police allow you to leave. You should only be detained briefly. The police are only allowed to detain you if they have. reasonable grounds. to suspect you've been involved in a crime.

What does it mean to be detained?

You are being detained when the police stop you and give you reasons to believe you are legally obligated to stop and stay with them or comply with their requests or demands. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects you from being detained without a reason. If the police say you are not free to go, you're being detained.

What are the powers of the police?

What the police are allowed to do. The police have different powers depending on whether they have detained or arrested you. The police are legally allowed to search you under certain conditions when you're being detained or arrested. But they must conduct their search in a reasonable manner. When the police detain you, they can pat you ...

What are my rights if I'm arrested?

What are my rights if I’m detained or arrested? Next Steps. 1. Ask why you’re being detained or arrested 2. Do not resist being detained or arrested 3. Ask to talk to a lawyer 4. Remain silent 5. Let the police do their search. When you're being or by the police, you have rights.

Can police empty your purse?

They aren't allowed to empty your pockets, purse, or other type of bag. They are only allowed to frisk you to find and take away weapons. When you're being arrested, the police can conduct a more thorough search than they would if you were being detained.