After arresting a person for alleged connection to a crime, federal law enforcement officers must process the individual through the system. Even if you are entirely innocent, the arrest process can be dangerous and overwhelming, so it is helpful to know what to expect if you are going to be taken into federal custody.
If you believe the federal government is planning to arrest you, consider reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer to explore your options. You do not need to wait until you have been arrested to hire an attorney. The team at Berry Law can help you understand the steps involved in processing arrests in Omaha federal criminal investigations to help prepare you for different scenarios.
Where Will a Federal Agent Take You After an Arrest in Omaha?
There are many places a federal agent could take you after an arrest, and it ultimately depends on the jurisdiction of the case. For example, you might be taken to a local field office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or another federal agency.
Alternatively, the law enforcement officer may take you to a local police department or county jail. An Omaha lawyer can help you identify the potential locations a federal officer could take you to process an arrest.
Sharing Personal Information with the Booking Officer
When processing your arrest, the federal officer will take your fingerprints and ask you to share general information about yourself. He or she will ask you to provide the following information:
- Full name
- Any aliases you may have
- Date of birth
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Residential address
You are generally not required to give law enforcement your phone number or email address. However, they may encourage you to provide that as well. A skilled lawyer can help you determine what is and is not safe to divulge while being processed by a federal law enforcement officer.
Can I Refuse to Disclose Information?
You can refuse to provide the officer with your fingerprints or personal information, but it is generally not advisable for a number of reasons. If you refuse to disclose general information, the federal agent may go back to the presiding judge or court officer and obtain a warrant for your fingerprints or basic personal information.
Consequences of Refusing to Cooperate During Processing
If you lawfully decline to disclose personal information such as your phone number or email, you should not face any consequences. However, if there is a court order that requires you to provide certain information, refusing to share those basic facts could lead to contempt of court or obstruction of justice charges. Purposely giving false personal information could also lead to additional charges, incarceration, fines, or probation.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Federal Arrest?
The time needed to process a federal criminal arrest can vary based on several factors, including the time of day, the number of people being booked at that location, and the number of law enforcement officers working. The process may take a few hours, but can be much quicker in certain circumstances.
Though booking can be frightening, it is crucial to try to remain calm during this time. A dedicated attorney can advise you on how to comply with requirements while avoiding incriminating yourself or harming your case.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Ask Us About Processing Arrests in Omaha Federal Criminal Investigations
If you have reason to believe the federal government is going to arrest you, you should understand the booking process. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid making critical mistakes in your case.
A local attorney from Berry Law can give you more information about how the government processes arrests in Omaha federal criminal investigations. Contact our office today to set up a confidential consultation.