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Question: |
Do You Know What To Do if You Are Suspected of Criminal Activity and The Police Contact You? |
| Answer: |
Exercise Your Constitutional Rights and Contact Us Immediately |
Your Right to Remain Silent
Do not give any statements! It is not a crime to refuse to answer questions.You have a right against self incrimination and anything you say can, and will, be used against you. It is impermissible for the police to use your unwillingness to speak against you, or to infer guilt from your silence.
Your Right to an Attorney
Exercise your right to counsel – Your access to a criminal defense attorney is guaranteed explicitly in the constitution. In fact, the constitution does not guarantee, or protect, a citizen's right to any other professional service. It is obvious that the framers of the constitution understood the necessity of counsel when the citizen was aligned against the vast resources of government. However, it is up to you to exercise this right!
You have a right to an attorney even before charges are filed against you. If the police are questioning you, tell them you want to speak to an attorney. The police must cease all questioning after you make this request.
Other Important Considerations : – It must be stressed that if the police conduct an illegal search or arrest, you should not physically resist them.You should demonstrate respect for their authority. Simply make it clear, however, that you are not consenting to their action.
If you are arrested for driving while intoxicated, you may be required to submit to a breath or blood test. So long as the arrest was lawful, you do not have a right to refuse this test. Failure to consent to this test will likely lead to a mandatory license suspension.
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