Your Rights and Responsibilities with Police

It's wise to believe that officers want what's best in most situations, but it's a good idea to be familiar with your rights. Police have a great deal of power - to take away our freedom and, in some instances, even our lives. If you are involved in a a criminal defense case or investigated for drunken driving, make sure you are protected by a good lawyer.

Identification? Not Necessarily

Many individuals don't know that they don't have to answer all a police officer's 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 assurances that allow you to remain quiet or give only partial information. You have a right not to testify or speak against yourself, and you may usually walk away if you aren't being officially detained.

Even the best citizens need lawyers. Whether or not you've done anything wrong like driving while drunk or recklessly, you should get advice on legal protections. Laws change regularly, and different laws apply jurisdictionally. Find someone whose first responsibility it is to keep up on these things if you want to prevail in any crime, even a DUI.

Usually, Talking is OK

While there are times to stay mute in the working with the police, remember how most police just want to help and would rather not take you in. You shouldn't want to make cops feel like you hate them. This is an additional reason to work with an attorney such as the expert counsel at auto accident lawyer Marietta GA on your defense team, especially after being arrested. Your legal criminal defense counsel can inform you regarding when you should speak up with information and when staying quiet is a better idea.

Know When to Grant or Deny Permission

Unless police officers have probable cause that you have committed a crime, they can't search your house or your car without permission. However, if you start talking, leave evidence lying around, or give your OK a search, any data found could be used against you in trial. It's probably smart to say no to searches verbally and let the courts and your lawyer sort it out later.

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