Know Your Rights - What To Do When Stopped By Police, explained by Rochester defense attorney James Nobles

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

What you say to police is always important. What you say CAN be used against you, and
it can give the police a reason to arrest you, especially if you insult or harass a police officer.

You DO NOT have to answer a police officer’s questions. You must show your drivers
license and registration when stopped in a car, but in other situations you can not legally
be arrested for refusing to identify yourself to a police officer.

You DO NOT have to consent to any search of yourself, your car or your house. If you
do consent to a search, it can affect your rights later in court. If the police say they have a
search warrant, ask to see it.

Do not interfere with or obstruct the police – you can be arrested for it.
Do not make any decisions about your case until you have talked with a lawyer.

Be polite and respectful. Never insult, degrade or harass a police officer.
Stay calm and in control of your words, body language and emotions.
Do not get into an argument with the police. Remember, anything you say or do can
be used against you. It can give the police a reason to arrest you.
Keep your hands where the police can see them.
Do not run. Do not touch any police officer.
Do not resist arrest, even if you believe you are innocent.
Do not complain or tell the police they’re wrong or that you are going to file a
complaint.
Do not make any statements regarding the incident.
Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest.
Remember officers’ badge and patrol car numbers.
Write down everything you remember as soon as possible.
Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.
If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible.
If you feel your rights have been violated, file or call in a complaint with the Internal
Affairs Bureau of the agency by which you were arrested.

Pull over to a safe area on the side of the road, turn off your car, and place both
hands on the top of the steering wheel where they can be seen. Do not dig around
in your car or glove box for paperwork until asked to do so. Only make slow,
deliberate moves.
When asked, show your drivers license, registration and proof of insurance.
In certain cases your car can be searched without a warrant, as long as police have
probable cause. To protect yourself later, you should make it clear that you do not
consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to
consent to a search.
If you are given a ticket, you should sign it; otherwise you can be arrested. You can
always fight the case in court later.
If you are suspected of drunk driving (DWI) and refuse to take a test (breath, blood,
urine or field sobriety), your drivers license may be suspended and you may be
arrested. However, this is still the best course of action if you think you are over
the limit, as failing a chemical or physical test will only help the prosecution's case.

Take advantage of your right to remain silent and your right to talk to a lawyer
BEFORE you talk to police. Tell the police NOTHING except your name and
address. Do not give any explanations, excuses or stories. You can make your
defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best.
If you have a lawyer, ask to see your lawyer immediately. If you can not afford a
lawyer, you have the right to a free one once your case goes to court. You can ask
the police how a lawyer can be contacted. Do not say anything without a lawyer.
Within a reasonable time after your arrest or booking, you should ask the police to
contact a family member or friend. If you are permitted to make a phone call, be
very careful, and never talk about the facts of the case over the telephone.
Anything you say at the precinct may be recorded or listened to.
You must be taken before the judge within 24 hours after arrest. Sometimes you
can be released without bail or have bail lowered.

It is not a crime to refuse to answer questions. You can not be arrested for
refusing to identify yourself on the street.
Police may stop and detain you only if they have a reasonable suspicion that you
have committed, are committing or are about to commit a crime.
If police have reasonable suspicion that you have a weapon, they may perform a
frisk and pat down your clothing. Do not physically resist, but make it clear that
you do not consent to any further search.
Ask if you are under arrest. If you are, you have the right to know why. If you
are not, you have the right to leave.
Do not bad mouth the police officer or run away, even if you believe what is
happening is unreasonable. That could lead to your arrest.

If the police knock and ask to enter your home, you do not have to let them in
unless they have a warrant signed by a judge (ask to see it). However, if they can
see an illegal item in plain view from outside the house, then they have a legitimate
reason to enter without a warrant.
In some emergency situations (like when a person is screaming for help inside, or
when police are chasing someone) officers are allowed to enter and search your
home without a warrant.
If you are arrested in your home or in your office, the police may search you and the
“grabbable area” immediately surrounding you or where illegal items are in plain view.