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Police officers carry immense power. With a badge and uniform, they have the authority to search, seize, and arrest. But who watches the watchers? Who holds them accountable when they overstep their authority? And more often than not, the system is stacked against you. But here’s the truth: power without accountability is injustice.

When the police cross the line, you need someone who knows how to push back. At the Law Office of Andrew Bryant, our experienced Colorado Springs, CO criminal defense attorneys can challenge misconduct, protect your rights, and fight for your freedom. Feel free to contact us to discuss your options.

Unlawful Searches and Seizures

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means the police can’t simply search your home, car, phone, or personal belongings whenever they want. They usually need a valid warrant issued by a judge based on probable cause.

How Police Violate Search and Seizure Laws:

• Searching your home without a warrant or consent
• Stopping and frisking you without reasonable suspicion
• Searching your vehicle without probable cause
• Seizing your phone or personal devices without proper legal authority

Coerced or Forced Confessions

The police are trained in interrogation tactics, but some officers cross the line into illegal and unethical territory. You have a Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, but officers may try to intimidate or pressure you into talking.

Tactics Police Use to Coerce Confessions:

• Physical force or threats – Although rare, some officers use force, intimidation, or threats to extract a confession.
• Sleep or food deprivation – Keeping suspects awake for hours or denying basic needs can lead to false confessions.
• False promises – Officers may tell you that confessing will “make things easier” or “help your case,” even if it won’t.
• Lying about evidence – Police are legally allowed to lie during interrogations. They may claim they have video footage or DNA evidence when they don’t.

Failure to Read Miranda Rights

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You have the right to remain silent.” This warning, known as the Miranda warning, is required when police take someone into custody and intend to interrogate them.  Please understand that this is not like what you see on TV or in the movies.  The police are not required to read you your Miranda rights when they arrest you.  They are only required to read you your Miranda rights if they want to ask you questions after they’ve taken you into custody.  If the police do not attempt to ask you any questions, they are under no legal obligation to Mirandize you.   If officers fail to inform you of your Miranda rights, any statements you make may be inadmissible in court.

When Police Must Read You Your Rights:

• If you are placed under custodial interrogation – meaning you are in custody and being questioned
• If law enforcement intends to use your statements against you

Illegal Detainment or Arrest

The police cannot arrest or detain you without legal justification. If they stop you without reasonable suspicion or arrest you without probable cause, they have violated your rights. Legal justification requires specific facts, not just a hunch or vague suspicion. For example, police cannot detain you simply because you look suspicious or are in a high-crime area. If you were arrested without evidence linking you to a crime, any charges against you could be challenged in court.

If you were illegally detained or arrested you should always contact a Colorado Springs criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. They can make all the difference in  your case.

Stand Up for Your Rights with a Colorado Springs, CO Criminal Defense Attorney

When the police break the law, they count on you not knowing your rights. They hope you won’t push back. But at the Law Office of Andrew Bryant, we don’t let them get away with it. We dig deep, challenging every piece of evidence obtained unlawfully. We expose police misconduct and fight to get unjust charges dismissed. Because when your freedom is on the line, nothing less will do.

We take the time to listen, understand your situation, and build a defense that’s tailored to your needs. Reach out to a seasoned criminal defense lawyer now at 719-634-7353 or contact us online to get the legal help you need.