Your Rights if you are being Detained in Vermont
The police must respect your rights. If he or she does not, then it can harm the prosecution’s case. You should be aware of your rights and what to do if the police try to detain you in Vermont. If your rights are violated, you and your Burlington criminal defense lawyer can file a complaint against the police officer.
Your Rights if a Police Officer in Vermont detains You
• You have the right to remain silent.
• You have the right to ask to speak to an attorney.
• You have the right to ask for an attorney to be present during questioning.
• If you cannot afford an attorney, you must be provided one.
• You have the right to offer your name, address, and identification only.
• You have the right to ask why you are being detained.
• You have the right to not offer any information or express guilt of any kind. Anything you say or do can be used against you in court.
• You can refuse to be searched other than a pat down if it seems like you are concealing a weapon.
If you are Detained do not
• Run or drive away if the police approach or detain you;
• Threaten, bribe, or yell at the police officer;
• Make any quick hand movements;
• Get out of your car unless you are asked to;
• Complain about the police officer’s actions;
• Admit anything about the situation; and
• Say anything without an attorney present.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney can Help
If you remember your rights and things to avoid if detained by the police, your criminal law firm will have a better chance to create a strategy to maintain your freedom.
For seasoned legal representation, contact the Burlington criminal defense attorneys at Bergeron, Paradis & Fitzpatrick. Contact our criminal law firm today for a consultation and to understand how we can help you at 802-316-4318. We conveniently have offices located in Burlington and Essex Vermont.
