HB 1616

Abstract

Amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963. Provides that immediately upon arrival at a police station or other place where an arrestee is detained, but no later than one hour after arrival, an arrested person has the right to make at least 3 completed telephone calls at no expense to himself or herself. Provides that an arrested person must be given access to a phone within one hour of arrival at a police station or any other place where detained by law enforcement. Provides that at every police facility where an arrestee may be detained, a sign containing at minimum, the following information in bold block type must be posted in a conspicuous place: (1) a short statement notifying an arrestee of his or her right to have access to a phone within one hour of arrival at the police station; (2) that an arrestee has the right to make at least 3 completed phone calls at no expense to himself or herself; and (3) that phone calls can be made to an attorney, relative, or acquaintance. Provides that in addition to the information required, if the police station is located in a jurisdiction where the court has appointed the public defender or other attorney to represent an arrestee, the telephone number to the public defender or appointed attorney's office must also be displayed. Makes other changes.