You may have seen it in movies. When a person is arrested, the police recites the person’s Miranda rights, which every American is probably familiar with.
Beyond these constitutional rights, however, you have other rights, too. For example, in the state of North Carolina, if you were stopped by a police officer and was not read your Miranda rights, a prosecutor cannot use the results of the custodial interrogation against you in a court proceeding. Did you know that?
Here are other things you should know that could help your case and prevent your illegal detention:
Your bail should be at a reasonable amount
The Eighth Amendment guarantees one of your most important rights as a detainee. The amount of bail is not cheap, but the amendment dictates it should not be excessive either. According to the law, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel, and unusual punishments inflicted.”
If you or your loved one has been arrested in North Carolina, Charlotte Bail Bonds can help secure your release through affordable bail bond services. Such agencies will give you advice on bail bonds, how they work, and what you should and shouldn’t do when granted temporary release.
You can ask for the police’s name and badge number
If a police officer asks for your name and identification, you can give them your basic information, but not more than that. In the same way, you have the right to note cops’ names and badge numbers, in case you need to pursue a complaint in the future after an unlawful arrest or a
You can wait for your lawyer before signing a document
If the authorities decide to let you go until your bail hearing, they will require you to sign a release document. The file contains the conditions of your release, and your lawyer can analyze if they are unconstitutional. The document might contain the following:
- Inform them of address or job changes
- Report to them at a specified time
- Remain in the state or city until the bail hearing
The precinct may give you a promise to appear, which states your name, offense, and details on your first court appearance. You should sign this when your lawyer has read it.
You can get help from the NC Prisoner Legal Services
The North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (NCPLS) is a not-for-profit legal firm that can assist you with your or your loved one’s case. While it cannot directly represent you in court, the NCPLS can inform you of your rights as a detainee. The organization can also investigate any issues of abuse and neglect in jails and prisons across the state.
The law is complex, but knowing your constitutional rights can protect you from injustice. If you get arrested, knowing more than your Miranda rights can help you with your case.
If you are arrested in North Carolina, you can still post bail despite financial challenges. We at Charlotte Bail Bonds can help you get legally released from jail. Our bail bonds services are 24/7.