If You are Arrested
If you are arrested, you are allowed one phone call. It is important that you call CIEE at 1.888.268.6245 to notify us of your situation. We will update your representative and your parents in your home country immediately. Please let CIEE know the name and contact information of the jail that you are being held in, what the charges are against you, and the date of your court hearing. CIEE is in direct and constant communication with your employer and with your representative in your home country, who is in communication with your parents.
If you are accused of committing a crime, the best advice in most circumstances is to talk to a CIEE staff member before you answer any questions regarding charges. CIEE can advise about the availability of free or low-cost legal services in your area.
If arrested, the following may happen:
- You may have to fill out paperwork.
- You could be charged with a crime and fingerprinted.
- You could be held in jail until bail is posted.
- You could see a court judge who hears preliminary details and drops the charges against you or sets a court date within the next 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 U.S. until your expected date of departure (program end date).
- Depending on the severity of the charges, you may have to stay in the area in order to attend your court date.
If you are found guilty of a crime, possible penalties include:
- Monetary fine
- Community service
- Jail time
- Deportation