Your Rights and Responsibilities with Police

It's a good idea to trust that cops want what's best for everyone, but it's a good idea to be aware of your rights. Police have a great deal of power - to take away our choices and, in some instances, 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.

Police Can't Always Require ID

Many citizens are not aware that they aren't obligated to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they were driving. Even if you are required to show your ID, you may not have to say more about anything such as your recent whereabouts and activities or how much you have had to drink, in the case of a potential DUI arrest. These rights were put into the U.S. Constitution and seconded by Supreme Court justices. While it's usually wise to be cooperative with officers, it's important to understand that you have rights.

Even law-abiding people need criminal defense lawyers. Whether or not you've done anything wrong like driving drunken or speeding, you should be protected. Knowing all the laws and understanding the different situations in which they are applicable should be left up to good laywers. This is especially true since laws regularly change and court cases are decided often that change the interpretation of those laws.

Sometimes You Should Talk to Police

While there are times for silence in the face of legal action, remember that most cops only want to help and would rather not make arrests. Refusing to work with the cops could cause be problematic. This is another reason why hiring the best criminal defense attorney, such as trusts lawyer lake geneva wi is wise. A qualified attorney in criminal defense or DUI law can help you know when to talk.

Question Permission to Search

going a step further than refusing to answer questions, you can refuse to allow for a cop to look through your car or automobile. However, if you start to blab, leave evidence of criminal activity in plain sight, or submit to a search, any data gathered could be used against you in future criminal defense proceedings. It's probably best to always refuse searches verbally and then get out of the way.