While laws may vary from state to state, the United States Constitution protects the legal rights of citizens in many situations, including those involving law enforcement. Unfortunately, due either to police misconduct or to a misunderstanding of the law, many people don’t know about what their rights are with officers. This is especially common in cases of police brutality where the victim may be charged with a crime despite wrongdoing on the officer’s part.
Here are three situations where you should know your rights with police:
If you are stopped by police officers…
Law enforcement officers should only stop citizens if they are suspected of a crime. In order to search a person or vehicle, officers must have probable cause and need a search warrant. This also includes the search of electronic devices, like cell phones. You are also allowed to ask if you are being charged with a crime. If the answer is “no,” you are free to ask to leave and should be released if you are not being held.
If you are filming a police interaction…
It is legal to film police interactions so long as you are not obstructing justice. In other words, if you are not in the way of the officers, you can film their interactions in public with other people. The police cannot confiscate your phone and delete files, as this is considered tampering with evidence.
If you are wrongly accused of a crime…
Being wrongly accused of a crime can be devastating for anyone. However, it is best to remain silent, so you don’t have evidence used against you, especially if something you say can be twisted into an admission of guilt. In these situations, it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Should you suspect that your legal rights have been violated in any way, you have the right to contact a civil rights lawyer or other attorney to help you with your case. It is perfectly acceptable to want legal advice from attorneys after you have had an encounter with law enforcement, especially if you have been charged with a crime. If you have more questions about your legal rights with police, leave a comment below. Research more like this.
