Even if police officers are providing help or treat you with kindness and respect, having to meet 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 be aware of your responsibilities and duties. If you could be guilty of breaking the law or could be charged with a felony or misdemeanor, contact a good lawyer as soon as possible.
Identification? Not Necessarily
Many citizens are unaware that they don't have to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they are behind the wheel. If they aren't driving, they don't always have to show ID either. The law protects all citizens and gives special protections that provide you the option to remain quiet or give only partial information. You have a right not to testify or speak against yourself, and you have a right to walk away if you aren't being detained or arrested.
Even the best citizens need lawyers. Whether you have violated the law or not, you should be protected. Legal matters change regularly, and disparate laws apply based on jurisdiction and other factors. This is particularly true since laws regularly change and court cases are decided often that make changes too.
Sometimes You Should Talk to Police
It's good to know your rights, but you should know that usually the police aren't out to harm you. Most are good men and women, and causing trouble is most likely to harm you in the end. You shouldn't want to make the police feel like you hate them. This is yet one more reason to work with an attorney such as the expert counsel at criminal defense attorney Portland OR on your defense team, especially after being arrested. Your legal criminal defense counsel can tell you when you should volunteer information and when to keep quiet.
Cops Can't Always Do Searches Legally
Unless the police have probable cause that you have committed a crime, they can't search your house or your car without permission. Probable cause, defined in an elementary way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been perpetrated. It's more serious than that, though. It's probably best to deny permission for searches verbally and let your attorney handle it.