Even if police provide you with assistance and treat you kindly, having to meet with them is rarely a positive experience. Whether your situation involves juvenile crimes, traffic or DUI and driving-while-intoxicated crimes or white collar, sex offense, violent or drug crimes, it's important to be aware of your duties and rights. If you could be found guilty of breaking the law or could be indicted, contact an attorney immediately.
Identification? Not Necessarily
Many people don't know that they aren't obligated to answer all police questions, even if they are behind the wheel. Even if you are required to show your ID, you may not have to say more about anything like where you've been or what you've been drinking, in the case of a drunken driving stop. These rights were put into the U.S. Constitution and affirmed by the courts. While it's usually wise to cooperate with officers, it's important to be aware that you have legal protections in your favor.
Even law-abiding people need lawyers. Whether you have broken the law or not, you should get advice on legal protections. Legal matters change often, and disparate laws apply jurisdictionally. Find someone whose main priority it is to be aware of these things if you want to prevail in any DUI or criminal defense case.
Know When to Talk
While there are times for silence in the legal matters, remember that most police really want to help and would rather not take you out. Refusing to cooperate could cause problems and make your community less safe. This is another reason why hiring the best criminal defense attorney, such as criminal defense lawyer Portland OR is wise. A qualified criminal defense lawyer can help you know when to talk.
Cops Can't Always Do Searches Legally
You don't have to give permission to look through your house or car. Probable cause, defined in a simple way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been perpetrated. It's less simple in practice, though. It's usually good to deny permission.