Even if police officers are providing help and are respectful, having to interact with them is rarely a positive experience. Whether your situation involves juveniles' committing crimes and traffic-related offenses or white collar, sex offense, violent or drug crimes, it's important to know your responsibilities and duties. If you could be guilty of wrongdoing or could be charged with a felony or misdemeanor, contact an attorney right away.
Identification? Not Necessarily
Many people don't know that they aren't obligated to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they are behind the wheel. If they aren't driving, they don't always have to show ID either. These rights 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 being detained or arrested.
Even good guys need attorneys. Whether you have violated the law or not, you should get advice on legal protections. Knowing all thelegal requirements and being familiar with the multiple situations in which they are applicable should be left up to qualified attorneys. It's also true that laws often get changed during lawmaker meetings, and many courts are constantly making further changes.
Know When to Talk
It's wise to know your rights, but you should realize that usually the cops aren't out to harm you. Most are decent people, and causing trouble is most likely to trouble you in the end. Refusing to work with the cops could cause trouble and endanger the neighborhood. This is another reason why hiring the best criminal defense attorney, such as criminal attorney Portland, OR is wise. Your legal criminal defense counsel can inform you regarding when you should volunteer information and when to shut your mouth.
Know When to Grant or Deny Permission
Unless the police have probable cause that you are engaging in criminal behavior, they can't search your house or your car without permission. Probable cause, defined in a simple way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. It's more complicated in reality, though. It's usually best to not give permission.