If you a police officer in Texas have arrested you, know that you have all the right to know why they’re doing so. The law states that you’re likewise lawfully entitled to call an attorney, a family member, a friend, or even a bondsman once you’re in police custody.

Being Arrested With or Without a Warrant

The police can arrest you if there’s a warrant out for your arrest, or if they know that the court has already issued a warrant for your arrest. They should show the warrant of arrest and tell the charges against you before you go with them.

It’s also possible that the police can arrest you without a warrant of arrest under specific circumstances, says Dntriallaw.com and other criminal lawyers in Houston. This especially if you commit a crime or offense in the presence of law officers or they see you committing the crime or offense. The police can arrest you if a reliable source has informed them that you’ve committed a felony and is planning to escape, as well. These felonies include rape, murder, burglary, sale of illegal drugs, and robbery.

Typical Arrest Procedures in Texas

Once the police have arrested you, you have to stay at the station, detention facility, or jail and state all the charges against you. Upon arriving or after some time later, you will be able to make your phone call. You may then be required to stand in a lineup, give a handwriting sample, speak some phrases in relation to crime charged against you, wear particular clothing, or provide blood and/or hair samples. They’ll likewise photograph you and ask for your fingerprints. Keep in mind that you CAN and MUST request the presence of your lawyer during the abovementioned procedures.

You’ll then be arraigned during a court session, or if you have a lawyer, your lawyer will file a plea for you. Keep in mind that an arraignment is a typical session where you will be able to either plead not guilty, no contest, or guilty. The court will give you a trial date for a not guilty plea and a sentencing date for a no contest or guilty plea.