Know Your Rights: Right to Remain Silent

Right to Remain Silent: general information about your rights in California. This is not legal advice.

Overview

You do not have to answer police questions about a crime. You can give your name and then state that you wish to remain silent.

What to Know

Staying silent cannot by itself be used as proof of guilt, but you need to say it clearly. Anything you do say can be used.

What This Means for Families

Ask for an attorney and do not talk about the case until you have one.

Questions to Ask an Attorney

Consider asking:

What are the exact charges, and are they misdemeanors or felonies?
Can the court review the bail amount, and when is the next hearing?
What release conditions might apply?
What should the family avoid saying or doing?

What to Have Ready Before You Call

Having these details ready helps a bail agent look up the case:

The booking number, if you have it
The jail or station where the person is held
The charges, if known
Your own name and phone number
The person's full legal name and date of birth

Talk to Bail Bonds Monterey Park Experts

Bail Bonds Monterey Park Experts is based at 220 S. Glendora Ave Suite J, Glendora, CA 91741 and takes calls at (626) 513-8778 (open 24 hours / 7 days). For your rights: right to remain silent, an agent can explain how bonds work in Los Angeles County, where people are held after an arrest by Monterey Park Police Department, such as Men's Central Jail, and which courthouse, for example Alhambra Courthouse (serving Monterey Park), hears the case.

A Note on Limits

Keep every piece of paper from the arrest and release together: the booking number, the case number, the court date and the bond agreement. Missing a court date can lead to a warrant and can affect a bond, so write each date down and confirm it with the court clerk.