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Criminal Defense and Talking to Police

It's wise to believe that officers want what's best for you and your community, but it's a good idea to know your rights and make sure you are protected. Police have the ultimate power - to take away our freedom and, in some instances, even our lives. If you are part of a criminal defense case or investigated for driving drunk, make sure you are protected by an attorney.

Identification? Not Necessarily

Many people don't know that they don't have to answer all police questions, even if they are behind the wheel. Even if you do have to prove who you are, you usually don't have to say much more about anything such as your recent whereabouts and activities or whether you drink, in the case of a DUI investigation. These protections were put into the U.S. Constitution and seconded by Supreme Court justices. You have a right not to give testimony against yourself, and you can almost always just leave if you aren't being officially detained.

Imagine a scenario where police believe you have run afoul of the law, but you aren't guilty. This is just one situation where you should to be advised by a good criminal defender. State and federal laws change on a regular basis, and different laws apply based on jurisdiction and other factors. Furthermore, laws occasionally get changed during lawmaker meetings, and courts of law are constantly making new rulings.

Know When to Talk

It's best to know your rights, but you should know that usually the police aren't out to harm you. Most are good people like you, and causing trouble is most likely to trouble you in the end. You probably don't want to make cops feel like you're against them. This is an additional reason to hire an attorney such as the expert counsel at family law minnehaha wa on your side, especially for interrogation. A good criminal defense lawyer can help you know when to be quiet.

Cops Can't Always Do Searches Legally

In addition to refusing to talk, you can deny permission for a cop to look through your car or automobile. Probable cause, defined in a simple way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. It's less simple in practice, though. It's usually best to not give permission.