The Legal Process in California

The legal process in California

"Criminal"

What rights do I have?

Whether you are an adult citizen or non-citizen, you have certain rights if you are arrested. Before the law enforcement officer questions you, he or she should tell you that:

* You have the right to remain silent.

* Anything you say may be used against you.

* You have a right to have a lawyer present while you are questioned.

* If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you.

These are your "Miranda" rights, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. If you are not given these warnings, your lawyer can ask that any statements you made to the police not be used against you in court. But this does not necessarily mean that your case will be dismissed. And this does not apply if you volunteer information without being questioned by the police.

. Once I'm told my rights, can I be questioned?

You can be questioned, without a lawyer present, only if you voluntarily give up your rights and if you understand what you are giving up. If you agree to the questioning, then change your mind, the questioning must stop as soon as you say so or as soon as you say that you want a lawyer. If the questioning continues after you request a lawyer and you continue to talk, your answers can be used against you if you testify to something different.

You may be required to give certain physical evidence. For example, if you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, you may be requested to take a test to measure the amount of alcohol in your system. If you refuse to take the test, your driver's license will be suspended and the refusal will be used against you in court.

Once you have been "booked," (meaning your arrest has been written into official police records, and you have been fingerprinted and photographed) you have a right to make and complete three telephone calls that are free within the local dialing area.

When should I see a lawyer?

If you are arrested for a crime, particularly a serious one, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. He or she has a better sense of what you should and should not say to law enforcement officers to avoid being misinterpreted or misunderstood. The lawyer also can advise you or your family or friends on the bail process.

What if I can't afford a lawyer?

The U.S. Constitution guarantees everyone charged with a crime the right to legal counsel. A public defender, or other attorney, will be appointed for you if you cannot afford to hire an attorney on your own. Public defenders are experienced trial attorneys who specialize in criminal law. They are unrelated to prosecutors or the police.

Who can arrest me?

All law enforcement officers (such as police officers, county sheriff officers, investigators in a district attorney's office or an attorney general's office, and highway patrol officers) can arrest you whether they are on or off duty, in most cases. A probation or parole officer also can arrest you.

They can arrest you even if they do not have an arrest warrant-if they have probable cause or good reason to believe you committed a felony. (A felony is a crime of a more serious nature than a misdemeanor, usually punishable by imprisonment for more than a year. A misdemeanor is usually punishable with a fine or short jail term.) They do not have to see you commit a felony in order to arrest you. They do, however, have to see you commit a misdemeanor in order to arrest you.

When can I be released?

If, during the questioning and before a charge is filed, the police are convinced that you have not committed a crime, they will give you a written release. Your arrest then will be considered a detention and not be recorded as an arrest.

What is bail and how is it set?

The amount of bail-money or other security deposited with the court to insure that you will appear-is set by a schedule in each county. For some traffic citations, you may be notified that you can forfeit or give up bail instead of appearing in court. However, if you have any doubt, go to court so a new warrant is not issued for your arrest for failing to appear.

Bail forfeiture does not apply to misdemeanors or felonies, and