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What To Do If The Cops VisitIf you're stopped on the road- * Be polite and respectful. Never bad-mouth a police officer. * Stay calm and in control of your words, body language and emotions. * Don't get into an argument with the police. * Remember, anything you say or do can and WILL be used against you. Keep you dammed mouth shut! * Keep your hands where the police can see them. * Don't run. * Don't touch any police officer. * Don't resist even if you believe you are innocent. * Don't complain on the scene or tell the police they're wrong or that you're going to file a complaint. * Do not make any statements regarding the incident. Ask for a lawyer immediately upon arrest. * Write down everything you remember ASAP. * Try to find witnesses & their names & phone numbers. * If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you seek medical attention first. * If you feel your rights have been violated, file a written complaint with the police department's internal affairs division board.
Protect yourself if you have a police encounter- * You don't have to answer a police officer's questions, but you must show your driver's license and registration when stopped in a car. * You don't have to consent to any search of yourself, your car or your home. If you do consent to a search, it can affect your rights later in court. If the police say they have a search warrant, ask to see it. * Do not interfere with, or obstruct the police - you can be arrested for it.
* It's not a crime to refuse to answer questions, but refusing to answer can make the police suspicious about you. You can't be arrested merely for refusing to identify yourself on the street. * Police may "pat-down" your clothing if they suspect a concealed weapon. Don't physically resist, but make it clear that you don't consent to any further search. * Ask if you are under arrest. If you are, you have a right to know why. * Don't bad-mouth the police officer or run away, even if you believe what is happening is unreasonable. That could lead to your arrest.
* Upon request, show them your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance. In certain cases, your car can be searched without a warrant as long as the police have probable case. To protect yourself later, you should make it clear that you do not consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search. * If you're given a ticket, you should sign it; otherwise, you can be arrested. you can always fight the case in court later. * If you're suspected of drunk driving and refuse to take a blood, urine or breath test, your driver's license may be suspended.
* You have the right to remain silent and to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. Tell the police nothing. Don't give any explanations, excuses or stories. You can make your defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best. * Ask to see a lawyer immediately. If you can't pay for a lawyer, you have the right to a free one, and should ask the police how the lawyer can be contacted. Don't say anything without a lawyer. * Within a reasonable time after your arrest or booking, you have the right to make a local phone call: to a lawyer, bail bondsman, relative or other person. The police may not listen to the call to the lawyer. * Sometimes you can be released without bail, or have bail lowered. Have your lawyer ask the judge about this possibility. You must be taken before the judge on the next day after arrest. * Do not make any decisions in your case until you have talked with a lawyer.
* If the police knock and ask to enter your home, you don't have to admit them unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. * However, in some emergency situations (like when a person is screaming for help inside or when the police are chasing someone) officers are allowed to enter and search your home without a warrant. * if you are arrested, the police can search you and the area close by. If you are in a building, "close by" usually means just the room you are in. |
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