If you are arrested, the police must give you reasonable time and opportunity to communicate with friends, family and an attorney. If you are arrested, you may ask to see a lawyer. If you can afford a lawyer, you have the right to contact the lawyer of your choice. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, you have the right to a free-appointed lawyer at critical stages in the criminal proceeding. Critical stages are determined by the nature of the proceeding and the facts of the case.
Critical stages are generally all court appearances and custodial interrogations.
If you are arrested, you have the right to be taken before a judicial official, such as a magistrate or a judge, without unnecessary delay and to have a bond set. You do not have a right to an attorney at this pretrial stage. You may ask to be released upon your signature or for a low bond to be set. You may tell the judicial official if you are a local resident or have any ties to the community. The North Carolina Supreme Court held today that signing a consent to search a vehicle does not allow police officers to search the driver or the other occupants without probable cause or reasonable suspicion.