Know your rights: plain-language criminal defense guides
Plain-language guides on your rights, the court process, costs, and immigration consequences — written for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S.
Your Rights After an Arrest in the U.S.
Know your rights the moment you are arrested in the United States — the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and what to say (and not say). In plain language.
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The Right to Remain Silent, Explained Simply
What 'the right to remain silent' really means in the U.S., when it applies, and how to use it — even if you are not a citizen. Plain-language guide.
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Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
When you should get a criminal defense lawyer, what one actually does for you, and what happens if you go to court without one. Honest, plain-language guide.
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How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
Real cost ranges for a criminal defense lawyer in the U.S. — flat fees, what's included, public defenders, and how to find help you can afford. In your language.
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What Happens After You Are Arrested
Step by step: booking, bail, arraignment, and your first court date. Know what comes next so you are not caught off guard. Plain-language guide for immigrants.
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Bail and Bond in the U.S., Explained
How bail works, what a bail bond costs, and how to get out of jail while your case is pending. Clear answers for people new to the U.S. system.
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Public Defender vs. Private Lawyer
The real difference between a public defender and a private criminal defense lawyer — cost, caseload, and how to decide what's right for your situation.
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Immigration Consequences of a Criminal Charge
How a criminal charge or conviction can affect your visa, green card, or status — and why you need a defense lawyer who understands immigration. Plain language.
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Going to Criminal Court: What to Expect
What a criminal court hearing looks like, who is in the room, what the judge does, and how to prepare. A calm walkthrough for first-timers.
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If the Police Stop or Question You
What to do — and what not to do — if police stop, question, or come to your home, whatever your immigration status. Know your rights before it happens.
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What to say if you are arrested?
What to say if you are arrested — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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What not to say to the police?
What not to say to the police — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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Can i be deported for a misdemeanor?
Can i be deported for a misdemeanor — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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Difference between felony and misdemeanor
Difference between felony and misdemeanor — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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What is an arraignment?
What is an arraignment — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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How to find a criminal defense lawyer near me?
How to find a criminal defense lawyer near me — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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What is a plea bargain?
What is a plea bargain — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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Can i get a public defender if im not a citizen?
Can i get a public defender if im not a citizen — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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What happens at a bail hearing?
What happens at a bail hearing — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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Do i have to answer police questions?
Do i have to answer police questions — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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Can police search my phone?
Can police search my phone — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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What is probable cause?
What is probable cause — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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What to bring to your first lawyer meeting?
What to bring to your first lawyer meeting — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer
Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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What is a criminal record?
What is a criminal record — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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Can a criminal charge be dropped?
Can a criminal charge be dropped — a clear, plain-language answer for immigrants facing criminal charges in the U.S. Free attorney matching available in your language.
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