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Alternate Defender Office
Alternate Defender Office

Know Your Rights

Molly O'Neal Public Defender 
Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office 
120 W. Mission St., San Jose CA, 95110 
(408) 299-7700​​

David Epps Alternate Defender 
Santa Clara County Alternate Defender's Office 
701 Miller St., San Jose CA, 95110 
(408) 299-7700​​

Know your rights and remember if you have contact with the police

  • Remain Calm
  • Be respectful
  • Stop if told to stop
  • Don't argue or negotiate
  • Don't touch an Officer and don't run from an Officer

If you are stopped or arrested by the police

  • Ask if you are free to go
  • If you are not free to go you should truthfully identify yourself (and provide a license if driving—if you have no license you still must truthfully identify yourself)
  • You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions
  • You have the right to speak with a lawyer
  • You do not have to agree to a search of your person, property or vehicle (do not interfere with a search even if you did not agree to it)

What do I say?

  • Am I free to go?
  • I want to remain silent
  • I want to speak with a lawyer
  • I do not agree to any search