Your Rights and Responsibilities with Police

It's wise to believe that cops want what's best in most situations, but it's a good idea to know your rights and make sure you are protected. Police have access to so much power - to take away our choices and, sometimes, even our lives. If you are being questioned in a criminal defense case or investigated for driving drunk, make sure you are protected by a good lawyer.

You May Not Need to Show ID

Many people don't know that they aren't obligated to answer all police questions, even if they were driving. If they aren't driving, they don't always have to show ID either. The law applies to all of us and gives special protections that allow you to remain quiet or give only some information. You have a right not to give testimony against yourself, and you can almost always just leave if you aren't under arrest.

Imagine a scene where officers suspect you may have committed a crime, but in fact you are innocent. This is just one time where it's in your best interest to get help from a good criminal defender. State and federal laws change on a regular basis, and disparate laws apply based on jurisdiction and other factors. This is particularly true since laws regularly change and court cases are decided often that change the interpretation of those laws.

There are Times to Talk

It's wise to know your rights, but you should know that usually the officers aren't out to harm you. Most are good men and women, and causing an issue is most likely to trouble you in the end. Refusing to talk could cause problems and make your community less safe. This is another reason why hiring the best criminal defense attorney, such as criminal attorney Portland, OR is wise. Your lawyer can tell you when you should volunteer information and when to shut your mouth.

Know When to Grant or Deny Permission

going a step further than refusing to speak, you can refuse permission for the police to look through your house or car. Probable cause, defined in an elementary way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. It's less simple in practice, though. It's probably best to say no to searches verbally and then get out of the way.