The Stages of a Criminal Case in California: The Arrest
Clients seeking a criminal defense attorney often want to know what the steps are in a criminal case. A criminal case typically begins when an individual is arrested.
An arrest can occur in several different circumstances. First, if a police officer observes a crime, the officer can arrest the person committing the crime. For example, a police officer may observe a store being robbed or a person driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In those situations, the officer can arrest a person at the scene of the crime.
A police officer can also arrest someone if they have “probable cause” to suspect a person has just committed, or is about to commit, a crime. An example of probable cause would be if an officer observed someone lying on the ground covered in blood, and saw a man running away with a gun. In that situation, the officer would have a reasonable belief that the man running away had injured the person lying on the ground.
The police can also arrest someone if an arrest warrant has been issued. An arrest warrant is a legal document from a judge, which is typically issued after the police give the judge a sworn statement with the basis for the arrest.
When someone is arrested, a certain series of legal procedures must take place. If you are in police custody and are under interrogation, you must be read your Miranda rights. You have the right to contact an attorney. Any personal money or property you have will be taken by the police and put in a safe place, and you will be asked to sign an inventory showing the things that were confiscated.
Are you in need of an aggressive criminal defense attorney? Contact the Century City criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf today. We will provide you with a free consultation and will strive to ensure your rights are protected. Call us at 866-390-7373.
