Rights

You have the right to:

• Plead not guilty.
• Have a trial on your charge(s).
• Be released on bail, if you are in custody.
• Have the assistance of an attorney at all stages of your case. If there is a potential for jail time and you cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint an attorney to represent you if you qualify for such representation.
• If no jail will be imposed, you have the right to be represented by a private attorney at all stages of your case. However, you do not have the right to a court appointed attorney when no jail will be imposed.
• See and hear witnesses at trial and cross examine or ask them questions.
• See and hear evidence at trial and to present your own evidence.
• To have the court issue subpoenas for you, directing your witnesses to be at the trial to testify.
• To remain silent and not be forced to incriminate yourself.
• To be presumed innocent until the prosecution proves your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You are not required to prove anything, but the prosecution must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

If a criminal conviction may affect your immigration status, you are advised to plead not guilty and contact an immigration attorney.