Your Rights and Responsibilities with Police
- 9 28, 2017
- |Business
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No one likes talking to police, whether for DUI or questions in a criminals case of any kind. You have both rights and responsibilities, all the time. It's important to get a lawyer on your side.
You May Not Need to Show ID
Many citizens are not aware that they aren't obligated to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they are behind the wheel. Even if you are required to show your ID, you usually don't have to say much more about anything your plans or how much you have had to drink, in the case of a DUI investigation. The U.S. Constitution protects all citizens and gives special protections that allow you to remain silent or give only partial information. While it's usually best to be cooperative with cops, it's important to understand that you have rights.
Even the best citizens need criminal defense lawyers. Whether or not you've done anything illegal such as driving while drunk or speeding, you should get advice on legal protections. Legal matters change on a regular basis, and different laws apply based on jurisdiction and other factors. This is notably true since laws regularly change and matters of law are decided often that change the interpretation of those laws.
Know When to Talk
It's best to know your rights, but you should know that usually the police aren't out to get you. Most are decent people, and causing trouble is most likely to harm you in the end. You probably don't want to make cops feel like your enemies. This is an additional reason to work with an attorney such as the expert lawyer at lawyer 53147 on your team, especially after being arrested. Your lawyer can inform you regarding when you should volunteer information and when to keep quiet.
Question Permission to Search
Unless cops have probable cause that you you are a criminal, they can't search your house or your car without permission. However, if you start talking, leave evidence lying around, or submit to a search, any data gathered could be used against you in court. It's probably best to say no to searches verbally and then get out of the way.