Knowing Your Rights As An American Citizen, And How To Avoid Being Jailed
If you are stopped and questioned by the police
, whether you are guilty or not, you need to be sure that you understand your rights as an American citizen. If you are ever stopped by the police, whether on foot or in the car, your initial response may be to panic.However, this would be a mistake. It is very important to remain calm, and whatever you do, do not reach in your pockets.
Begin by asking why you have been stopped. The police have the right to stop you if you are running and a crime has just been reported in the area, you are hanging around with some people who are under police investigation for one thing or another, or if you are near an area where a crime has just been reported.
They can also stop you if you are somewhere where an officer thinks people have no reason to be at that time of day or night. Also, if you are acting in a way that appears to the officer to be very suspicious, and you act even more suspicious when the officer sees you have spotted her/him.
You could be in trouble if an officer thinks that you have stolen property in your possession, an officer stops you walking and you refuse to answer simple questions, give false or evasive answers, or make contradicting statements.
Whatever you do, do not become loud, keep a legitimate form of identification on you at all times, and remain silent-this is one of your rights given to you by the government.
Never speak without a witness present, to back you up. If the police knock at your door and ask to come in, you do not have to let them in unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
If they have a warrant, ask to see it. If it is an arrest warrant, check the name to make sure that they have the right person.
If it is a search warrant, make sure it is for your specific address. Look to see what is listed on the warrant to be searched for in your home.
If the warrant is proper, you must allow them in. If the police do not have a warrant, you may let them in but you do not have to let them in unless they insist on coming in.
Try to settle the issue at the door. If they do insist over your objections, then be careful to ask for the name of the highest ranking officer present at your door and a phone number where his identity can be verified.
Call his or her command number, and even 911 so that a record can be established. Always ask for a police badge.
Next, ask them what their purpose is in coming into your house. If you object, make sure you tell them you do not consent to any search of your home.
Write down the names, badge numbers, physical description of the officers and the date and time. If the police take any of your property, they are required to give you a written receipt for it.
If they don't give you a receipt, ask for it. They are not required to give you a receipt for the property they intend to book as evidence, such as stolen property, guns, etc.
The police may also search without a warrant whenever they have arrested a person. They may search his person and the area close by where the arrest was made.
They may also search after consent is given, so if you object, be sure to make it clear that you do not agree to any kind of search. They may also search when there is an emergency or when they are chasing you or someone else into your home.
This is called the emergency exception. A police officer can ask you to pull over at any time.
You will be asked for your driver's license and registration. If she/he asks for this information, you must comply.
If you are stopped, pull over and sit tight. If you are stopped at night, turn on your interior dome light.
Place your hands on the steering wheel. Produce your identification when asked, and remain calm.
With this information, you are much more likely to come out on top. Remember to be respectful, remain calm, and know your rights.
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