Know Your Rights
Molly O'Neal Public Defender
Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office
120 W. Mission St., San Jose CA, 95110
(408) 299-7700
Know Your Rights and Remember if you have contact with the Police:
- Remain Calm
- Be respectful
- Stop if told to stop
- Don't argue or negotiate
- Don't touch an Officer and don't run from an Officer
If you are stopped or arrested by the Police:
- Ask if you are free to go
- If you are not free to go you should truthfully identify yourself (and provide a license if driving—if you have no license you still must truthfully identify yourself)
- You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions
- You have the right to speak with a lawyer
- You do not have to agree to a search of your person, property or vehicle (do not interfere with a search even if you did not agree to it)
What do I say?
- Am I free to go?
- I want to remain silent
- I want to speak with a lawyer
- I do not agree to any search