If you are arrested -- Know your rights

What to do if you're arrested

Know your rights.

Not knowing your rights can cause you to make uninformed decisions that may harm you in the future. Unfortunately, most citizens don’t know their criminal rights when arrested and frequently jeopardize their own cases. Having an experienced trial lawyer can help you understand what your rights are and how to protect them. Since 1986, Louisville defense attorney William Butler has been fighting for the rights of the accused. If you face a criminal charge, call William Butler to talk to a lawyer who is ready to fight for you.

What are my legal rights?

You have a constitutional right to refuse a police request to search you, your home, your car, your luggage or other possessions, unless the police have a search warrant. Often, people agree to these searches because they don’t know that they can decline. If the police do not have a search warrant, you have a right to say “no”. Be aware that the police are looking for evidence against you, not for you.

One of your Miranda rights is a constitutional right to refuse to answer police questions. Remember, anything you say can and will be used against you. For your own protection, you should always consult with a criminal defense lawyer before answering questions.

Anything you say to an undercover police officer or confidential informant can be used against you. These individuals are legally allowed to lie about their identity. This type of deception has been allowed by the Supreme Court.

Statements made to your lawyer in the presence of third parties are not protected by the attorney/client privilege. Thus, do not make confidential communications to your lawyer in the presence of third parties. With a third party present, they will not be protected.

Even though a grand jury can compel your appearance, in accordance with the Fifth Amendment, it may not have the right to compel your testimony. If you are served with a subpoena, you should seek advice from a criminal defense attorney.

Contact a Louisville defense attorney for an initial consultation.

Attorney William Butler represents clients throughout the Louisville, Kentucky, metro area including the cities of Lexington, Bowling Green, Paducah, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, Frankfort, Ashland, London, Richmond, Covington, Newport, Elizabethtown, Pikeville, Danville, Owensboro, and Georgetown.

Jefferson County • Daviess County • Warren County • Kenton County • McCracken County • Boyle County • Christian County • Fayette County • Boyd County • Pike County • Hopkins County