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Legal Alert
Please understand that even though you are a visitor, the law still applies to
you. You must respect local laws, just as you do at home. Police in the United States can be very strict. A night in jail or a large fine are not appropriate souvenirs for YMCA
participants. Any legal trouble is your responsibility. If you have a legal problem, the ICCP Program will try to provide support through your consulate or others in the United States.
What are my legal rights if I am arrested?
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You have the right to remain silent and to refuse to answer any questions you choose. |
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No person accused of a crime may be forced to confess or give evidence against themselves. |
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You have the right not to be searched unless the police officer has a warrant. |
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Most important, you have the right to be represented by a lawyer, and to be provided with a lawyer to represent you if you cannot afford to
hire one. |
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You are entitled to be released from jail upon posting of a jail bond (money paid to ensure that an accused person reports for trial) set
by the court while you await trail. |
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You are entitled to a fair trail conducted according to all the rules of evidence and court procedures. |
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What are the possible police procedures if I am
detained? |
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You may be charged, finger printed, required to complete paperwork, etc. |
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You may be held in jail until a bail bond is posted. |
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You may see a court judge who hears preliminary details and
drops charges or sets a court date within the following 30 days. Sometimes court dates can be set sooner, especially if you remind the judge that you are only legally able to
stay in the USA until the end of your
J-1 Visa.. |
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Depending on the severity of the charges, you might not be able to leave the area before your court date. |
What
are the possible results of being found guilty of charges?
Fines and penalties are subject to local laws, therefore the degree of penalties
and amount of fines, etc., differ from town to town and may also differ from violations of state or federal laws. The possible results of being found guilty are:
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monetary fine (varies for charge) |
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community service |
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jail time |
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deportation |
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