If I’m Arrested, do I have the Right to a Phone Call?

Apr 29, 2020

phone_call2.jpegOne of the most common questions I get, besides, they didn't read me my rights, is whether the police have to give you a phone call. The following is my public service announcement regarding this oft-requested information.
Drumroll...the answer is YES!!

If you are arrested, California Penal Code section 851.5 states, that immediately upon booking, unless it is physically impossible, and no longer than 3 hours after you are arrested, you have the right to not one phone call, but three, count them, three, phone calls. And not just any phone call either, they must be completed phone calls. Also, if the calls are local, they are free. If the calls are long-distance, you can make those at your own expense.

The jail must also post a sign (See PC 851.5(b)) that informs the arrestee of these rights and the sign must be posted in a conspicuous location. In addition, you get a bonus of two phone calls if you are a custodial parent and must make calls to tp arrange for the care of your minor child while you are detained. (See PC 851.5(c).) A sign must be posted with this information as well.

Now that you know about your right to a phone call, make sure your first call is to the Mitchell Law Group. Call us to make sure your rights are protected and to provide you the aggressive, non-stop, action-packed defense you deserve. You can reach us for free!




Category: Criminal Defense

Michael Mitchell

Michael Mitchell is a Fresno attorney who practices in the areas of DUI, personal injury & criminal law. Visit his Google+ profile.


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Mitchell Law Group, Inc.
334 W. Shaw Avenue, Suite A Fresno, CA 93704
Phone: 559-222-2424

Fresno Criminal and DUI Attorney
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.  Testimonials displayed on this website do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter

Michael E. Mitchell, at the Mitchell Law Group, Inc., is one of the top DUI defense attorneys in Fresno, California. He has over a decade of experience handling DUI cases throughout the Central Valley, including in Clovis, Madera, Tulare, Visalia. He is a certified field sobriety instructor and practitioner under the standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association. His advice and knowledge is, routinely, sought after by other attorneys practicing in the area of DUI defense. He is an expert in the area of DUI defense in both Federal, State, and on the Appellate level. If you're looking for the best DUI Lawyer in Fresno to handle your case, give us a call today to see how we can put our knowledge to work for you.