Legal Rights if Arrested

No person has any legal right to commit any act in violation of any constitutionally valid state or federal law, regardless of the wisdom or morality of that law. Thus, any violation is subject to punishment regardless of motive or ethical or religious beliefs.

A person has the right to:

1. The assistance of an attorney at all stages of the criminal proceedings against him/her.

2. Reasonable bail.

3. Refuse self-incrimination.

4. Be advised of the charges against oneself and to have a trial by jury.

5. Oppose and attempt to change a law, as long as the opposition is not in the form of violation of the law.

Upon arrest, a police officer must inform students of their rights prior to questioning as follows:

1. You have the right to remain silent.

2. Anything you say can and will be held against you.

3. You have the right to talk to a lawyer and have him/her present when you are being questioned.

4. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before questioning.

The law defines the specific acts, which when committed, may permit the state to impose punishment on the person performing them. It defines the procedures that the state must follow to determine if the violation was committed and, if so what the punishment will be.

SKIDMORE COLLEGE TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS WHO ARE ARRESTED. WHEN A STUDENT HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND/OR CONVICTED, THE COLLEGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVIEW THE STUDENT'S STATUS WITHIN THE COLLEGE COMMUNITY. THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION RETAINS A LAWYER FROM WHOM STUDENTS MAY SEEK LEGAL COUNSEL ON A ONE-CONSULTATION, NO-FEE BASIS. CALL THE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES OFFICE TO OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION.