Your Rights and Responsibilities with Police

No one likes dealing with the cops, whether for DUI or questions in a criminals case of any kind. You have responsibilities and rights, regardless of the crime being investigated. It's almost always valuable to get a lawyer on your side.

Identification? Not Necessarily

Many citizens are unaware that they don't have to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they are behind the wheel. Even if you must show identification, you generally don't have to answer other questions officers might have about anything such as your recent whereabouts and activities or what you've been drinking, in the case of a drunken driving stop. The U.S. Constitution applies to all people and gives assurances that provide you the option to remain quiet or give only a little information. You have a right not to testify or speak against yourself, and you may usually walk away if you aren't being detained or arrested.

Even though it's best to have a solid understanding of your rights, you should get a criminal defense attorney who understands all the minutia of the law so you can protect yourself in the best way. State and federal laws change regularly, and different laws apply based on jurisdiction and other factors. It's also worth saying that laws often get adjusted during lawmaker meetings, and courts of law are constantly making further changes.

Know When to Talk

It's good to know your rights, but you should know that usually the officers aren't out to hurt you. Most are decent people, and causing trouble is most likely to harm you in the end. Refusing to work with the cops could cause trouble and endanger the neighborhood. This is another reason why hiring the best criminal defense attorney, such as creating a will 20901 is wise. A good criminal defense lawyer can help you know when to be quiet.

Question Permission to Search

going a step further than refusing to speak, you can refuse permission for an officer to search your house or car. Probable cause, defined in an elementary way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. It's more serious than that, though. It's usually best to not give permission.