The justice system in the United States is quite complicated. Lawyers and judges spend years studying the laws just to scratch the surface. If you ever get arrested, you should know that you have certain rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution. It is difficult to navigate the legal system on your own, so it is a good idea to seek professional help. Here are a few basic concepts that you should understand.

1. You Have Options After You Have Been Arrested

Sticking with the theme that you have rights, you should know that they do not end after you have been detained. A famous one is that you have the right to remain silent, which is outlined in the Fifth Amendment. If you find yourself in jail, you can hire the service of a bail bonds West Chester PA expert. This will allow you to leave the cell and go home as long as you pay a fee and agree to appear in court. Bail bondsmen will agree to make that happen once they have taken their cut.

2. Attorneys Make a World of Difference

Although lawyers may have a bad reputation, there is nothing better than having a good one in your corner. So, what can they do for you? These specialists will negotiate terms with their colleagues, draft documents outlining your case, work with the judge and defend you during your trial.

The great thing is that you have the right to an attorney whether you can afford one or not. The courts can assign a public defender to represent you. One detail you should note is that you don’t have to speak to any law enforcement without the presence of a lawyer.

3. Many Laws Differ From State to State and Municipality to Municipality

There are certain laws that start at the federal level and work their way down. In general, state laws will supersede local ones applied at the city or town stage. For example, although marijuana is banned across the country as a whole, there are individual states that have legalized it for medical and/or recreational purposes. It is crucial that you know where rules like that apply. You cannot plead ignorance in those instances.

All in all, everyone makes mistakes. That is why citizens in society deserve to have fair, timely trials. By knowing your rights ahead of time, you can spare yourself a lot of time and headaches down the road.