Criminal Law: Arrests and Consequences
By Parks & Braxton, PA
Aug. 1, 2011 4:54p
A criminal case usually begins with an arrest. This may follow a criminal investigation by a state or federal law enforcement agency, such as your local police, state police, or a federal bureau, such as the FBI, DEA, or others. An arrest doesn't necessarily mean that you will be subjected to forceful behavior by law enforcement. You can be placed under arrest and be put under police authority without any kind of physical force whatsoever.
How does an arrest come about? Several scenarios may result in an arrest. You may be arrested after a police officer observes you breaking the law, as when you are pulled over by a traffic cop when he sees you fail to stop at a stop sign or traffic signal. This personal observation is usually the first step in a DUI where you are seen to be weaving, drifting into other traffic lanes or otherwise driving erratically. You are then pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving where the policeman will be looking for further physical indicators of intoxication such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and an inability to perform simple physical tests.
Another situation which will result in an arrest is known as "probable cause." If certain circumstances and facts point to the probability that you have committed a crime, you can be arrested and held on suspicion while the case is further investigated. Lastly, if there is a warrant for your arrest which has been issued by a judge, you can be arrested on the spot when stopped by law enforcement, such as in a routine traffic violation.
What to Do After an Arrest in Fort Lauderdale
If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense, your first order of business should be to contact a highly-qualified attorney who is familiar with, adept at, and well-versed in criminal cases in your local area. This will be someone who not only knows the law but knows the local court systems, judges, and prosecutors. In this matter, experience counts; you should arm yourself with a criminal defense lawyer who has effectively and successfully handled many cases and who focuses on criminal law.
You can find such an attorney at Parks & Braxton, PA. Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorneys at the firm has been practicing in the field of criminal law for many years and has handled thousands of cases. Our team has the knowhow and the dedication to aggressively protect your rights and to fight for the most favorable case results possible.
Just because you have been arrested doesn't automatically mean you are guilty or that you will go to jail. You are innocent until proven guilty and a good criminal defense lawyer can work wonders for your case.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer at Parks & Braxton, PA if you have been arrested today.
