KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Whenever you may be confronted by law enforcement, it is imperative that you know and exercise your constitutional rights. Always be courteous and respectful to law enforcement. You will find that, with some exceptions, you will be treated with the same respect and courtesy. Do not get angry. Anger will not help you resolve a confrontation with law enforcement. You have the right to remain silent. While you have to show identification if asked, you do not have to answer any questions that may have a tendency to incriminate you. This is called the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. You have the right to remain silent and should exercise that right. Simply respectfully advise law enforcement that you wish to talk to an attorney before you answer any further questions. Do so courteously but firmly. You do not have to “consent” to a search of your vehicle or property. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides you with the protection of law enforcement either having to have “exigent” circumstances to search you or your vehicle or have a search warrant signed by a Magistrate. Many times law enforcement will ask you to consent to a search and try to convince you that if you have nothing to hide, you should consent. You should not consent to a search. If you consent to a search, then you have waived your protection under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Even if you had nothing to hide, this is a protection that you should not waive. Last but not least, contact your attorney. Advise law enforcement that you wish to speak to an attorney. Too many cases are compromised early in an investigation by individuals thinking that they can “convince” law enforcement to leave them alone or that they can handle their contact with law enforcement on their own. Rarely are the successful.