ReeceLaw

It is important to understand your rights.  After all, the police certainly know what they can and cannot do, and you must remember that the police are allowed to lie to you to get what they want.  One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to KNOW your rights and INVOKE them.

Miranda rights:

You have the right to remain silent.

DO IT.  No one is sitting in prison right now because they remained silent.

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

AND BELIEVE US, THEY WILL USE IT.

You have the right to have an attorney present before answering any questions.

GET ONE!

If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.

NEVER, repeat NEVER talk to the police without first consulting an attorney.

If you have begun answering questions, you have the right to stop the interrogation AT ANY TIME!

TELL THEM TO STOP QUESTIONING YOU UNTIL A LAWYER IS PRESENT.

SEARCHES OF YOUR HOME:

If the police tell you they want to search your home, demand to see a search warrant.  If they do not have a search warrant and they ask to search your home, the answer is NO.  Make them get a search warrant!  They may promise you that "it will go easier on you if you allow the search."  Think about that!  If you say no and they do not have probable cause to get a search warrant, then there is NO EVIDENCE with which to charge you. 

Even if you have nothing to hide, the police do not have the right to search your home without a warrant.  Your home is your castle; so protect your home and your privacy from the government.

SEARCHES OF YOUR VEHICLE:

If you are pulled over, be polite, cooperate, and provide the officer with your identification and papers for your vehicle; BUT if the police ask for consent to search your vehicle, politely answer NO.  That's it. No explanation necessary.  Remember, if they have probable cause, they do not have to ask.  So if they are asking, they probably DO NOT have probable cause to search.