Even if police are helping you or treat you with kindness and respect, having to interact with them is rarely a positive experience. Whether your situation involves juvenile crimes, traffic or DUI and driving-while-intoxicated crimes or white collar, sex offense, violent or drug crimes, it's important to know your rights and responsibilities. If you could be culpable for criminal offenses or could be indicted, contact an attorney immediately.
Police Can't Always Require ID
Many people are not aware that they aren't required by law to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they have been pulled over. If they aren't driving, they don't always have to show ID either. Federal law protects all citizens and gives specific protections that allow you to remain silent or give only some information. You have a right not to incriminate yourself, and you can almost always just leave if you aren't under arrest.
Imagine a situation where police think you have broken the law, but you aren't guilty. This is just one instance where it's in your best interest to hire a good criminal defender. State and federal laws change on a regular basis, and different laws apply jurisdictionally. Find someone whose main priority it is to know these things if you want to prevail in any DUI or criminal defense case.
Sometimes You Should Talk to Police
While there are times to stay mute in the working with the police, remember how most cops only want to help and would rather not make arrests. Refusing to work with the cops could cause problems and make your community less safe. This is another reason why hiring the best criminal defense attorney, such as criminal defense lawyer Hillsboro, OR is wise. An expert attorney in criminal defense or DUI law can help you know when to be quiet.
Know When to Grant or Deny Permission
In addition to refusing to speak, you can refuse permission for the police to look through your home or vehicle. 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 deny permission for searches verbally and then get out of the way.