Even if the cops provide you with assistance or treat you with kindness and respect, having to interact with them is rarely a positive experience. Whether your situation involves violence, DUI, minor offenses or other criminal matters or white collar, sex offense, violent or drug crimes, it's best to understand your responsibilities and duties. If you could be guilty of criminal offenses or could be indicted, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
You May Not Need to Show ID
Many people don't know that they aren't required by law to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they were driving. Even if you do have to prove who you are, you generally don't have to answer other questions police might have about anything like where you've been or whether you drink, in the case of a drunken driving stop. These rights were put into the U.S. Constitution and have been verified by the U.S. Supreme Court. While it's usually wise to cooperate with police, it's important to understand that you have legal protections in your favor.
Even though it's best to have a thorough understanding of your rights, you should get a lawyer who knows all the small stuff of the law so you can protect yourself in the best way. Knowing all the laws and understanding the multiple situations in which they apply should be left up to good laywers. It's also worth saying that laws occasionally change during deliberative sessions, and courts of law are constantly deciding new cases that shape the law further.
There are Times to Talk
It's good to know your rights, but you should know that usually the cops aren't out to hurt you. Most are decent people, and causing trouble is most likely to harm you in the end. You don't want to make the police feel like your enemies. This is an additional reason to hire an attorney such as the expert counsel at criminal law defense lawyer Portland OR on your defense team, especially during questioning. A qualified criminal defense lawyer can help you know when to be quiet.
Know When to Grant or Deny Permission
Unless police officers have probable cause that you you are a criminal, they can't search your house or your car without permission. However, if you begin to talk, leave evidence of criminal activity in plain sight, or give your OK a search, any information collected could be used against you in future criminal defense proceedings. It's probably good to always refuse searches verbally and let the courts and your lawyer sort it out later.