Monday, June 27, 2011

Toledo, OH - WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE STOPPED BY POLICE OR THE FBI:

OFF THE WIRE
thetoledojournal.com
Toledo, OH - WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE STOPPED BY POLICE OR THE FBI: * You have the right to remain silent, If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
* You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home.
* If you are not under arrest, you have the right to calmly leave.
* You have the right to a lawyer if police arrest you. Immediately ask for one.
* Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
* Stay calm and be polite.
* Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.
* Do not lie or give false documents.
* Prepare yourself and your family in case police arrest you.
* Remember details of the encounter with police.
* File a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel police violated your rights.
IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING
Stay calm. Don't run.
Don't argue, resist or obstruct the police, even if you are innocent or police keep violating your rights. Keep your hands where police can see them. Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly leave and silently walk away. If police arrest you, you have the right to know why.
You have the right to remain silent and cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions. If you wish to remain silent, tell the officer out loud. In some states, you must give your name if asked to identify yourself. You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may "pat down" your clothing if they suspect a weapon. You should not physically resist, but you have the right to refuse consent for any further search. If you do consent, it can affect you later in court.
IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR
Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible.
Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way and place your hands on the wheel.
Upon request, show police your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.
If an officer or immigration agent asks to look inside your car, you can refuse to consent to the search. If police believe your car contains evidence of a crime your car can be searched without your consent.
IF YOU ARE CONTACTED BY THE FBI
If an FBI agent comes to your home or workplace, you do not have to answer any questions. Tell the agent you want to speak to a lawyer first.
If you are asked to meet with FBI agents for an interview, you have the right to say you do not want to be interviewed.
If you agree to an interview, have a lawyer present. You do not have to answer any questions you feel uncomfortable answering, and can say that you will only answer questions on a specific topic.
IF YOU ARE ARRESTED
Do not resist arrest, even if you believe the arrest is unfair. Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately.
Don't give any explanation or excuses. If you can't pay for a lawyer, you have the right to a free one.
Don't say anything or make any decisions without a lawyer.
You have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer. Prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested. Memorize the phone numbers of your family and your lawyer. Make emergency plans if you have children or take medication.
IF YOU FEEL YOUR RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED
Remember: police misconduct cannot be challenged on the street.
Don't physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint. Write down everything you remember, including officers' badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of your injuries (but seek medical attention first).
http://www.bikernews.net/index.cfm/art/What-to-do-if-youre-stopped-by-the-police-or-the-FBI-/d/news/p/read/newsid/www.aclu.org/profiling.