After being booked, when must an adult be allowed to make phone calls?

An adult who has been arrested must be allowed to make phone calls within a reasonable time frame following their booking process. The correct timeframe, which is typically set at three hours, ensures that the individual has the opportunity to contact a lawyer or inform family or friends about their situation. This window not only helps uphold the individual’s rights but also allows them to secure legal representation and support.

While immediate phone access is not usually granted upon arrest for operational and safety reasons, providing the option within three hours strikes a balance between maintaining order and respecting personal rights. Allowing phone calls only after sentencing or at other extended intervals would violate the basic procedural rights afforded to detainees and could lead to complications in legal representation and defense.