It's wise to believe that police want what's best in most situations, but it's also important to know your rights and make sure you are protected. Police have a great deal of power - to take away our freedom and, occasionally, 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.

Police Can't Always Require ID

Many individuals are unaware that they aren't required by law to answer all an officer's questions, even if they are behind the wheel. If they aren't driving, they don't always have to show ID either. These protections were put into the U.S. Constitution and affirmed by the courts. While it's usually best to cooperate with police, it's important to be aware that you have legal protections in your favor.

Even though it's important to have a thorough understanding of your rights, you should get a lawyer who knows all the minutia of the law so you can protect yourself reasonably. Knowing all thelegal requirements and being familiar with the various situations in which they are applicable should be left up to qualified attorneys. Find someone whose first responsibility it is to keep up on these things if you want to prevail in any crime, even a DUI.

There are Times to Talk

It's good to know your rights, but you should think about the fact that usually the cops aren't out to get you. Most are good people like you, and causing disorder is most likely to harm you in the end. You don't want to make cops feel like you're against them. This is another reason to get an attorney such as the expert lawyers at criminal lawyer Hillsboro, OR on your defense team, especially during questioning. A good criminal defense lawyer can help you better understand when to talk and when to keep quiet.

Question Permission to Search

You don't have to give permission to search your home or automobile. Probable cause, defined simply, is a reasonable belief that a crime is in progress. It's less simple in practice, though. It's probably good to say no to searches verbally and let your attorney handle it.