KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL
1. Your Right to Remain Silent
You are never required to answer police questions beyond basic identifying information. This is one of the strongest rights you have.
You may say:
“I’m invoking my right to remain silent.”
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.”
2. Your Right to an Attorney
You have the right to speak with a lawyer before answering questions.
You may say:
“I want to speak to my attorney.”
After that, officers must stop questioning you. If they continue, repeat the phrase and remain silent.
3. Your Right to Refuse Consent to a Search
You can refuse consent to a search of:
Your vehicle
Your home
Your bag
Your pockets
Your phone
You may say:
“I do not consent to any searches.”
This does not stop officers from searching if they claim legal grounds, but it protects your rights and preserves defenses later.
4. Your Rights During a Traffic Stop
During a stop, you must provide:
Driver’s license
Registration
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
Perform roadside exercises (you can refuse, though officers may arrest you)
Stay calm, keep your hands visible, and avoid sudden movements.
5. Your Rights During a Domestic Violence Investigation
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”
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.
6. Your Rights During a Drug Investigation
You may refuse:
Consent to search your vehicle
Consent to search your pockets
Consent to search your bag
Consent to search your phone
You may also refuse to answer questions about:
Where drugs came from
Who they belong to
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.
7. Your Rights If You Are Arrested
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
Have a judge review your case at first appearance
Do not discuss your case with:
Officers
Other inmates
Jail staff
Anyone on a recorded jail phone
All jail calls are recorded.
8. Your Rights at First Appearance (Gun Club Road)
First appearance happens the morning after arrest.
You have the right to:
See a judge
Hear the charges
Have bond reviewed
Have an attorney present
We appear at first appearance regularly and can often argue for lower bond or release conditions.
9. Your Rights If Police Want to Search Your Phone
You may refuse.
You may say:
“I do not consent to a search of my phone.”
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.
10. Your Rights If You Are Being Investigated But Not Arrested
If officers “just want to talk,” you may:
Decline
Ask if you are free to leave
Request an attorney
Refuse consent to search
You may say:
“Am I free to leave?” “I do not wish to answer questions.” “I want to speak to my attorney.”
If they say you’re not free to leave, stop talking.
11. Your Rights If You Have a Warrant
If you learn you have a warrant, you may:
Contact an attorney
Arrange a surrender
Request a bond hearing
Avoid discussing the case with anyone
We handle warrant cases and can often arrange a controlled surrender to avoid surprise arrest.
12. Your Rights If You Are on Probation
If probation contacts you about a violation, you may:
Decline to give a statement
Request an attorney
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.
13. Your Rights If You Are Contacted by Detectives
Detectives often call before filing charges.
You may:
Decline to speak
Request an attorney
Avoid meeting in person
Avoid giving a written or recorded statement
You may say:
“I do not wish to speak without my attorney.”
This protects you and often prevents charges from being filed.
14. When to Call a Lawyer
Call immediately if:
You were arrested
You were 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
You are on probation and think you violated
Early intervention makes a huge difference.
Contact Liebmann & McKeen, P.A. 24/7
If you or a loved one is facing a criminal investigation or arrest in Palm Beach County, we are available for emergencies, jail‑related matters, and immediate legal guidance. 845-270-3843 for Mr. Liebmann and 561-707-7427 for Mr. Dermody-McKeen.