It's usually right that cops want what's best in most situations, but it's a good idea to be familiar with your rights and make sure you are protected. Police have a great deal of power - to take away our choices and, in some instances, even our lives. If you are being questioned in a criminal defense case or investigated for drunken driving, make sure you are protected by working closely with an attorney.

Identification? Not Necessarily

Many citizens are not aware that they aren't required by law to answer all an officer's questions, even if they were driving. Even if you must show identification, 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. The law applies to all of us and gives specific protections that provide you the option to remain silent or give only a little information. You have a right not to give testimony against yourself, and you may usually walk away if you aren't being officially detained.

Even though it's important to have a thorough education about your rights, you need a legal advocate who knows all the small stuff of the law so you can protect yourself in the best way. Legal matters change often, and disparate laws apply jurisdictionally. Find someone whose first responsibility it is to keep up on these things for the best possible outcome to any DUI or criminal defense case.

Usually, Talking is OK

While there are times to stay mute in the face of legal action, remember how most officers just want to help and would rather not take you in. You don't want to make police officers feel like you hate them. This is an additional reason to hire an attorney such as the expert counsel at Criminal Defense American Fork UT on your defense team, especially after being arrested. Your attorney can tell you when you should volunteer information and when to keep quiet.

Question Permission to Search

In addition to refusing to talk, you can refuse permission for a cop to rummage through your home or vehicle. Probable cause, defined in an elementary way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. It's less simple in practice, though. It's probably smart to always refuse searches verbally and then get out of the way.