Being arrested for a crime can be very scary, especially if it is your first time being in trouble with the law. Many people don't understand how the criminal justice system works so they make costly mistakes. Here are some things you need to know so that you can protect yourself.

1. Just Because You Have Been Arrested Doesn't Mean You Have Been Charged

It is important to know that just because you have been arrested it doesn't mean that you have actually been charged of a crime. In order to arrest you, the police just have to have some kind of suspicion that you did something wrong. Then, they can hold you for a certain amount of time while they find evidence against you to warrant a formal charge. This means that you can be held in jail without even being charged.

During this time you still need to protect yourself. You shouldn't talk to the police without a lawyer present. They can interrogate you and even misrepresent certain facts to get answers from you. This is why it is best to call an attorney the moment you are arrested.

2. You Don't Have To Let The Police In Your Home

If the police come to your house for a possible interrogation or arrest, you don't have to let them in the house. They probably will ask to come in, but you should decline. Once they come in your house, you have given permission for them to look around and see if anything could be used against you. Instead, ask the question if you are being arrested. If they say that you aren't, then you can ask them to leave. You do not have to answer questions and you don't have to let them onto your property unless you are being arrested.

3. If You Are Charged, You Will Have An Arraignment

If you are charged with a crime, you will have an arraignment shortly after. This is your chance to tell the judge whether you are guilty or not guilty. If you plea guilty, then the judge will give you a sentence and there will be no trial. If you plea not guilty, then there will be a court date set and the state will begin making a case against you.

By understanding these things about the criminal justice system, you can know how to better protect yourself in the case that you are approached by the police or arrested. For more information on criminal attorneys, visit this site -- check it out!