It's wise to believe that cops want what's best for everyone, but it's also important to be familiar with your rights. Police have access to so much power - to take away our liberty and, sometimes, even our lives. If you are part of a criminal defense case or investigated for a DUI or another crime, make sure you are protected by working closely with an attorney.

Police Can Require Your ID Only if You're a Suspect

Many people are not aware that they don't have to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they are behind the wheel. Even if you do have to prove who you are, you usually don't have to say much more about anything your plans or what you've been drinking, in the case of a potential DUI arrest. These rights were put into the U.S. Constitution and seconded by Supreme Court justices. You have a right not to give testimony against yourself, and you can almost always just leave if you aren't being officially detained.

Even though it's important to have a thorough knowledge of your rights, you should get a criminal defense attorney who gets all the minutia of the law so you can protect yourself in the best way. Knowing all the laws and being familiar with the different situations where they apply should be left up to good laywers. This is especially true since laws regularly change and matters of law are decided often that also make a difference.

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 people like you, and causing disorder is most likely to harm you in the end. Refusing to cooperate could cause be problematic. This is another reason why hiring the best criminal defense attorney, such as criminal lawyers spanish fork is wise. Your attorney can tell you when you should volunteer information and when to keep quiet.

Question Permission to Search

Unless police officers have probable cause that you have committed a crime, they can't search your car or home without permission. Probable cause, defined in a simple way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been perpetrated. It's more complicated in reality, though. It's usually the best choice to deny permission.