Criminal Defense and Talking to Police

It's usually right that officers want what's best in most situations, but it's also important to know your rights. Police have access to so much power - to take away our liberty and, sometimes, 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 individuals don't know that they don't have to answer all an officer's questions, even if they have been pulled over. Even if you do have to prove who you are, you may not have to say more about anything like where you've been or how much you have had to drink, in the case of a potential DUI arrest. These rights were put into the U.S. Constitution and affirmed by the courts. You have a right not to incriminate yourself, and you can almost always just leave if you aren't being officially detained.

Imagine a situation where police suspect you may have committed a crime, but in fact you are innocent. This is just one time where it's in your best interest to hire a top-tier lawyer. Laws change regularly, and disparate laws apply based on jurisdiction and other factors. Furthermore, laws often get changed during legislative sessions, and many courts are constantly making new rulings.

Know When to Talk

It's wise to know your rights, but you should know that usually the police aren't out to hurt you. Most are good men and women, and causing an issue is most likely to hurt you in the end. You shouldn't want to make cops feel like you hate them. This is an additional reason to get an attorney such as the expert counsel at criminal lawyer Portland, OR on your defense team, especially for interrogation. An expert attorney in criminal defense or DUI law can help you know when to talk.

Know When to Grant or Deny Permission

Unless police officers have probable cause that you have committed a crime, they can't search your house or your car without permission. Probable cause, defined simply, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. It's more complicated in reality, though. It's probably smart to say no to searches verbally and then get out of the way.