Getting arrested is an overwhelming and frightening experience, whether it’s your first time or you’ve faced charges before. In Massachusetts, the legal system moves quickly—especially in the hours and days after an arrest. What you do next can have a lasting impact on your case, your record, and your future. Understanding your rights and taking the right steps early on is critical to protecting yourself.
Your Rights After an Arrest
If you’ve been arrested, it’s important to remember that you still have rights. The most important of these are:
- The right to remain silent: You are not required to answer police questions beyond providing your name and basic identifying information. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
- The right to an attorney: You have the right to consult with a lawyer before speaking to law enforcement. If you cannot afford one, a public defender may be appointed to represent you.
- The right to be informed of the charges: You must be told what crime you are being charged with.
- The right to a bail hearing: In many cases, you will have a right to a bail hearing to determine if you can be released while your case is pending.
Don’t Talk to the Police Without a Lawyer
Police officers may try to question you immediately after an arrest, often in a calm or friendly tone. They may imply that cooperating will help your case or make things easier. In reality, answering questions without legal counsel almost never works in your favor. Even innocent or misunderstood statements can be twisted and used against you later in court.
Politely but firmly tell the officers that you are invoking your right to remain silent and want to speak with an attorney.
Understanding the Criminal Process in Massachusetts
After an arrest, you’ll likely be brought to the local police station for booking, which includes fingerprinting, photographs, and recording your personal information. Depending on the charges and the circumstances, you may be released on bail or held until you appear in court for arraignment.
At arraignment, you will formally hear the charges against you, and the judge may address bail conditions. This is a crucial moment in your case—the decisions made here can affect your ability to return home, keep your job, and build a defense.
Common Arrest Scenarios in Massachusetts
Arrests in Massachusetts often involve charges such as:
- Operating under the influence (OUI)
- Drug possession or distribution
- Domestic assault and battery
- Larceny or theft
- Disorderly conduct or resisting arrest
Regardless of the charge, being proactive and securing legal counsel quickly can greatly influence the outcome of your case.
Why Legal Representation Matters
The consequences of a criminal conviction can be severe—fines, probation, jail time, loss of a driver’s license, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment and housing opportunities. A skilled criminal defense attorney will assess your situation, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and work to minimize or eliminate the charges against you.
In many cases, legal options such as pretrial diversion, dismissal, or reduction of charges may be available. But these opportunities are often time-sensitive and require experienced legal advocacy to pursue effectively.
Take Action Now – Speak With an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you love has been arrested in Massachusetts, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you involve a criminal defense attorney, the more options you may have. Protect your rights, your freedom, and your future by contacting a defense lawyer immediately.
Contact me, Michael M. Franklin today at (508) 752-2727 to schedule a confidential consultation. I’m here to help you understand your options, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
