WWW.HUDSONDRI.ORG

When people are arrested, the police are legally obligated to read them their rights, offer a phone call, and allow access to legal aid. Even if the police actively saw the crime in progress or the suspect confessed to the crime, the suspect is always offered the right to have an attorney present when they are interrogated. If a suspect is not able to afford a private attorney, then the police are obligated to provide access to a public defender... After the suspect is arrested, he or she is allowed to talk to their lawyer privately without the police present. During this time, the criminal defense attorney will interview their client to help determine weaknesses and strengths in the defense and the prosecutor's case against the suspect. After this, the attorney can investigate to see if there is any evidence and witnesses who can help support the client's defense.