Criminal Defense and Talking to Police

No one likes dealing with the cops, whether they are being pulled over for DUI or just plain old interrogation. You have both rights and responsibilities, all the time. It's always useful to get a lawyer on your side.

Police Can't Always Require ID

Many citizens are unaware that they aren't obligated to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they were driving. If they aren't driving, they can't be coerced to prove their identities. These rights were put into the U.S. Constitution and affirmed by the courts. You have a right not to incriminate yourself, and you may usually walk away if you aren't being officially detained.

Even law-abiding people need criminal defense lawyers. Whether or not you've done anything illegal such as driving while drunk or speeding, you should take advantage of the protections available to you. Knowing all the laws and being familiar with the multiple situations in which they apply should be left up to qualified attorneys. Furthermore, laws regularly get changed during lawmaker meetings, and courts are constantly making new rulings.

Know When to Talk

It's good to know your rights, but you should think about the fact that usually the police aren't out to hurt you. Most are good men and women, and causing disorder is most likely to harm you in the end. You don't want to make police officers feel like your enemies. This is another reason to hire an attorney such as the expert counsel at criminal defense attorney Hillsboro, OR on your defense team, especially after being arrested. A good attorney in criminal defense or DUI law can help you know when to be quiet.

Know When to Grant or Deny Permission

going a step further than refusing to speak, you can deny permission for a cop to look through your house or car. However, if you start talking, leave evidence everywhere, or give your OK a search, any knowledge found could be used against you in court. It's probably best to always refuse searches verbally and let the courts and your defense attorney sort it out later.