Know Your Rights —
Palm Beach County, FL

You are never required to answer police questions beyond basic identifying information. This is one of the strongest rights you have.

Once you say this, stop talking. Police can legally use anything you say against you — even casual comments, explanations, or attempts to "clear things up."

You have the right to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.

After that, officers must stop questioning you. If they continue, repeat the phrase and remain silent.

You can refuse consent to a search of your vehicle, home, bag, pockets, or phone.

This does not stop officers from searching if they claim legal grounds, but it protects your rights and preserves defenses later.

During a stop, you must provide your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. You do not have to answer questions about where you're going, discuss whether you've been drinking, agree to a search, or perform roadside exercises (you can refuse, though officers may arrest you). Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and avoid sudden movements.

Domestic violence calls are high-pressure situations. Officers often make quick decisions. You have the right to remain silent, decline to give a statement, decline to "explain what happened," and decline to let officers search your home without a warrant. If arrested, you will almost always have a no-contact order until a judge modifies it.

You may refuse consent to search your vehicle, pockets, bag, or phone. You may also refuse to answer questions about where drugs came from, who they belong to, or whether you "knew" they were there. Do not try to talk your way out of it. Do not try to explain ownership. Do not try to negotiate with officers.

If arrested in Palm Beach County, you will be taken to the Gun Club jail at 3228 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL for processing and first appearance. You have the right to remain silent, request an attorney, make a phone call, know the charges against you, and have a judge review your case at first appearance. Do not discuss your case with officers, other inmates, jail staff, or anyone on a recorded jail phone — all jail calls are recorded.

First appearance happens the morning after arrest. You have the right to see a judge, hear the charges, have bond reviewed, and have an attorney present. We appear at first appearance regularly and can often argue for lower bond or release conditions.

You may refuse. Police need a warrant unless you voluntarily unlock it. You don't have to give your passcode. You don't have to unlock your phone for officers.

If officers "just want to talk," you may decline, ask if you are free to leave, request an attorney, and refuse consent to search. If they say you're not free to leave, stop talking.

If you learn you have a warrant, you may contact an attorney, arrange a surrender, request a bond hearing, and avoid discussing the case with anyone. We handle warrant cases and can often arrange a controlled surrender to avoid surprise arrest.

If probation contacts you about a violation, you may decline to give a statement, request an attorney, and avoid admitting anything. Do not explain. Do not justify. Do not try to "clear things up." Anything you say can be used in a violation hearing.

Detectives often call before filing charges. You may decline to speak, request an attorney, avoid meeting in person, and avoid giving a written or recorded statement.

This protects you and often prevents charges from being filed.

Call immediately if you were arrested, questioned, police came to your home, police searched your vehicle, you received a notice to appear, you think you may be charged, you have a warrant, or you are on probation and think you violated. Early intervention makes a huge difference.