What Should I Do If I Am Questioned By Police?

What should you do if you are pulled over and questioned by the police? Do you know what your rights are? Our Arlington Heights criminal defense attorneys at Villadonga & Villadonga can answer your questions on what do to and what not to do.

Do You Have To Answer The Police’s Questions In Public?

No. We all have heard that we have the right to remain silent in the United States, and you should use it. The police may misinterpret what you say, so unless you need assistance or you are reporting a crime, you should politely decline to answer their questions if they approach you in public and begin a police interrogation.

However, if the police have a reasonable suspicion that you are committing a crime or already did and you are in public, you may need to identify who you are or present identification such as a driver’s license or ID. While the police can ask whatever they like, you do not have to answer anything other than identify yourself.

Do You Have To Answer The Police’s Questions If They Pull You Over?

Driving on public roads in Illinois is a privilege, so you need to have a driver’s license, registration, and insurance for your vehicle. If you are pulled over, you must give the police your license, registration, and insurance information. However, you do not have to answer their other questions. You should politely respond that you are invoking your right to remain silent and want to speak to your attorney. Here are some additional tips when dealing with the police if you are pulled over:

• What you say is probably being recorded, so say as little as possible and do not say you are guilty or admit to any illegal conduct.
• Be calm and courteous to the police. This can go a long way to defuse the situation and get you on your way quickly.
• Keep your hands visible and do not reach for anything unless telling the police officer before you do. Keeping your hands in sight and not making any sudden movements ensures police safety and does not give them suspicion you are hiding something illegal.

What Should You Do If The Police Violated Your Rights?

It is not uncommon for the police to violate youor rights when you are arrested or questioned. If you think this has happened, follow these steps:

• Write down or video everything you remember about what happened when the police stopped and questioned you. You should include the officer’s badge number, squad car number, police station, and other details you remember. If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information.
• If you are injured, get medical attention right away. It is essential to document the injuries so you can file a claim or lawsuit later.
• File a complaint with the internal affairs division of the police department. The complaint may be filed anonymously.
• Talk to a civil rights attorney and a criminal defense attorney right away. Your attorney can review what happened and tell you if you have a case.

Contact Our Arlington Criminal Defense Attorneys Today

If the police ever question you, it is essential to remember that you have rights, and you do not have to answer questions if you prefer not to. Instead, you should retain an Arlington Heights criminal defense attorney at Villadonga & Villadonga to represent you and answer their questions. For a consultation, please call (847) 298-5740.