Your Rights and Responsibilities with Police

It's a good idea to trust that police want what's best in most situations, but it's wise to be familiar with 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 drunken driving, make sure you are protected by working closely with an attorney.

You May Not Need to Show ID

Many citizens are not aware that they aren't required by law to answer all an officer's questions, even if they are behind the wheel. If they aren't driving, they may not have to show identification. These protections were put into the U.S. Constitution and have been verified by the U.S. Supreme Court. You have a right not to give testimony against yourself, and you can almost always just leave if you aren't under arrest.

Even law-abiding people need lawyers. Whether you have been a drunk driver and violated other laws or not, you should be protected. Legal matters change often, and disparate laws apply based on jurisdiction and other factors. It's also worth saying that laws often get changed during deliberative sessions, and courts are constantly making further changes.

Usually, Talking is OK

It's best to know your rights, but you should know that usually the officers aren't out to harm you. Most are good men and women, and causing trouble is most likely to harm you in the end. Refusing to work with the cops could cause be problematic. This is another instance when you should hire the best criminal defense attorney, such as lawyer salt lake city is wise. Your lawyer can tell you when you should speak up with information and when to shut your mouth.

Know When to Grant or Deny Permission

You don't have to give permission to look through your home or vehicle. Probable cause, defined in an elementary way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been perpetrated. It's more serious than that, though. It's usually the best choice to deny permission.