Your Rights and Responsibilities with Police
Even if the cops provide you with assistance and are respectful, having to talk with them is not a sought-after activity. Whether your scenario involves juvenile crimes, traffic or DUI and driving-while-intoxicated crimes or white collar, sex offense, violent or drug crimes, it's wise to be aware of your rights and responsibilities. If you could be culpable for crimes or could be indicted, contact a good lawyer right away.
You May Not Need to Show ID
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 police might have about anything like where you've been or what you've been drinking, in the case of a potential DUI arrest. These protections were put into the U.S. Constitution and affirmed by the courts. While it's usually a good plan to cooperate with police, it's important to know that you have rights.
Even though it's good to have a thorough knowledge of your rights, you should hire a lawyer who gets all the minutia of the law so you can protect yourself reasonably. State and federal laws change on a regular basis, and differing laws apply jurisdictionally. It's also true that laws often change during legislative sessions, and many courts are constantly deciding new cases that shape the law further.
Know When to Talk
While there are times to stay mute in the face of legal action, remember that most officers only want peace and justice and would rather not take you out. You probably don't want to make police officers feel like your enemies. This is an additional reason to work with an attorney such as the expert lawyer at abogados criminalistas salt lake city on your defense team, especially for interrogation. Your lawyer can advise you on when you should give information and when to keep quiet.
Cops Can't Always Do Searches Legally
In addition to refusing to talk, you can refuse permission for a cop to rummage through your house or car. Probable cause, defined in a simple way, is a reasonable belief that a crime is in progress. It's more serious than that, though. It's usually the best choice to deny permission.