Know Your Rights Card
8 bail rights plus Miranda rights in plain language. Hand this to a public defender or share with family. Designed to fit on a single printed sheet.
Rights.
"I am invoking my right to remain silent and my right to an attorney. I will not answer questions until my attorney is present."
You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed for you.
- 1Right to a bail hearingWithin 24–72 hours. Cannot be held indefinitely.
- 2Right to an attorneyPublic defender appointed if you cannot afford one — before the hearing.
- 3Right to know the chargesSpecific charges and maximum penalties, before bail is set.
- 4Right to present evidenceEmployment, family ties, residence history all matter for bail amount.
- 5Right to appeal bail8th Amendment prohibits excessive bail. Attorney can file reduction motion.
- 6Right to remain silentAt hearing. Anything said can be used at trial.
- 7Right to choose your bondsmanNo one can force a specific bondsman. Verify license with state insurance dept.
- 8Right to modify bailChanged circumstances? Petition the court for bail modification.
In the print dialog choose "Save as PDF" to download a file.
Court Date Tracker
Log every court appearance, condition of release, attorney contact, and check-in requirement. Missing a single court date triggers forfeiture — this keeps everything in one place.
Court Date Tracker
Keep this document with you at all times · Page 1 of 2
| Date & Time | Courtroom / Location | Hearing Type | Judge | Status | Next Date Set | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Court Date Tracker
Keep this document with you at all times · Page 2 of 2
| Date | Time | Method (in-person / phone / app) | Officer Confirmed | Next Check-In Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
⚠️ Critical reminder: Missing a single court appearance triggers automatic bail forfeiture and a bench warrant. If you cannot make a scheduled date for any reason, contact your attorney immediately — before the hearing, not after. Do not wait.
First 24 Hours Checklist
What to do the moment someone calls you from jail. Step by step, in order, with what information to gather and what not to say. Designed for family members who have never navigated this before.
First 24 Hours
What to do when someone you know is arrested · Page 1 of 2
If you are on the phone with the arrested person right now: Tell them to stop talking. Say: "Stop talking. Say only: I want a lawyer and I'm invoking my right to remain silent." Then hang up and work through this list.
- Get the booking facility name and addressAsk the arrested person or search "[city/county] jail" online
- Write down the exact chargesAsk the person. If they don't know yet, call the jail's booking line
- Do NOT discuss the case on the jail phoneAll calls are recorded. Even "innocent" statements can be used.
- Look up the bail schedule onlineSearch "[county name] bail schedule" — may allow immediate release
- Contact a criminal defense attorneyMost offer free consultations. Having one at the bail hearing matters most.
- If no attorney: request public defender immediatelyThe arrested person must request this at the jail — do not wait for the hearing
- Determine available funds for bailFull cash bail (refundable) vs bondsman 10–15% (not refundable). Check both.
- Identify any property that could be used as collateralReal estate with equity, vehicles — needed if using a bondsman
- Gather community ties documentationEmployment letter, lease/mortgage, family photos, prior court compliance records
- Research 2–3 licensed bail bondsmenVerify license with your state's insurance commissioner. Never use unlicensed.
- Confirm hearing date, time, and courtroomCall the court clerk. First appearances typically happen within 24–72 hours.
- Notify employer if neededMay need to arrange coverage depending on case length
- Attorney presents community ties evidenceThis is the highest-ROI moment in the whole process
- Do not speak unless directly asked by the judgeLet the attorney handle everything substantive
- Write down the exact bail amount and all conditions
- If bail seems excessive, ask attorney about a reduction motionCommon and often successful — especially for first-time offenders
First 24 Hours
What to do when someone you know is arrested · Page 2 of 2
- Compare all bail options before decidingUse the BailGuide calculator — bailguide.org
- If using a bondsman: verify license, get everything in writingAsk specifically: under what conditions would you surrender the defendant?
- Read every release condition carefully before leaving
- Start the Court Date Tracker immediatelyDownload free at bailguide.org/printables
- Never discuss the case on recorded jail phones
- Never post about the arrest on social media
- Never contact the alleged victim or witnesses
- Never miss a court date — call attorney first if there's an issue
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