I cannot find the specific section of law that protects an individuals' right to a free phone call upon being arrested. I am almost positive that this would fall under 'civil rights' issues, having lost my job as a result of the matter. This was over a misdemeanor if that helps at all. I missed 2 consecutive days of work and was unable to alert my family or employer of my disposition.
Denied phone call when arrested
- Thread Starter Continue
- Start date
- Status
army judge
Super Moderator
This Ohio lawyer indicates that you have the right, within a reasonable time after your arrest and transportation to the jail, to make a local telephone call. He does not cite the applicable law. I suspect it is addressed in Ohio Criminal Procedure. You could call his office and ask him for the specific cite. I couldn't find it.
By way of explanation, in Texas, you are allowed a phone call within four hours after arrest and confinement.
It isn't a statutory right, however.
It is a privilege for cooperating with the jail authorities.
It can be withheld if you're combative, suicidal, or disruptive.
You'll get the call even if you do any of the above, it just might be withheld for longer than four hours, until you cooperate.
jharris352
New Member
Well hot dog I get to find a statute before ARMY does.
The right to a phone call is linked to your right to counsel. If you are unable to make a call you are unable to get an attorney. So....
You have a statutory right to a phone call right here:
§ 2935.20.
After the arrest, detention, or any other taking into custody of a
person, with or without a warrant, such person shall be permitted
forthwith facilities to communicate with an attorney at law of his
choice who is entitled to practice in the courts of this state, or to
communicate with any other person of his choice for the purpose of
obtaining counsel. Such communication may be made by a reasonable
number of telephone calls or in any other reasonable manner. Such
person shall have a right to be visited immediately by any attorney at
law so obtained who is entitled to practice in the courts of this
state, and to consult with him privately. No officer or any other
agent of this state shall prevent, attempt to prevent, or advise such
person against the communication, visit, or consultation provided for
by this section.
STATE v. TURNER, 2007-P-0090 (8-1-2008)
The right to a phone call is linked to your right to counsel. If you are unable to make a call you are unable to get an attorney. So....
You have a statutory right to a phone call right here:
§ 2935.20.
After the arrest, detention, or any other taking into custody of a
person, with or without a warrant, such person shall be permitted
forthwith facilities to communicate with an attorney at law of his
choice who is entitled to practice in the courts of this state, or to
communicate with any other person of his choice for the purpose of
obtaining counsel. Such communication may be made by a reasonable
number of telephone calls or in any other reasonable manner. Such
person shall have a right to be visited immediately by any attorney at
law so obtained who is entitled to practice in the courts of this
state, and to consult with him privately. No officer or any other
agent of this state shall prevent, attempt to prevent, or advise such
person against the communication, visit, or consultation provided for
by this section.
STATE v. TURNER, 2007-P-0090 (8-1-2008)
army judge
Super Moderator
You, Brother Harris, have become the legend I aspire to become!
If this were the Round Table of the People's Law, you'd be King Arthur, your majesty. :duel:
May I now withdraw, your most exalted highness?
My goodness, counselor, how valuable is all this legal wisdom we dispense gratis.
The ABA is, no doubt, very, very proud of us!
Last edited:
- Status
Ask a Question
Share this page
