Know Your Rights

• You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions beyond identifying yourself.
• You have the right to a lawyer. Ask for one out loud, and stop talking until your lawyer is present.
• You do not have to consent to a search of your phone, car, or home. Saying no is not an admission of anything.
• Stay calm and keep your hands visible. Do not run, resist, or argue, even if you believe the stop is wrong.

In the Moment

• Say it clearly: “I am going to remain silent. I want a lawyer.”
• Do not explain, justify, or tell your side. Anything you say can be used against you.
• Do not sign anything you do not understand or have not discussed with a lawyer.
• Remember names, badge numbers, and what happened, and write it all down as soon as you can.

Bond and Getting Out

• After booking, a magistrate sets a bond, the amount that lets you be released while your case is pending.
• You can post bond in cash or through a licensed bail bondsman for a fee, usually a percentage of the bond.
• An attorney can ask the court to lower a bond that is too high or to set conditions you can meet.
• Follow every condition of release exactly. A violation can put you back in custody.

Before Your First Court Date

• Write down the date, time, court, and floor from your paperwork, and do not miss it.
• Speak with a defense attorney as early as possible. Early work protects evidence and options.
• Gather anything that helps your lawyer: paperwork, witness names, photos, receipts, messages.
• Do not discuss your case with anyone but your lawyer, and never on a recorded jail line or social media.

What Not to Do

• Do not talk to police, a complainant, or witnesses about the case without your lawyer.
• Do not post about the case, delete anything, or contact anyone the court told you to avoid.
• Do not assume a charge will simply go away. Address it early, with counsel.

General information about the criminal process in Texas, not legal advice, and not a substitute for a lawyer. Every case is different. Forrest Good PLLC, an independent firm at this address, represents people accused of crimes; contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.