WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE STOPPED BY POLICE, IMMIGRATION AGENTS OR THE FBI
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:
We rely on the police to keep us safe and treat us all fairly, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin or religion. Here are tips for interacting with police and understanding your rights. As long as you are within the borders of the United States, you have rights.
The first step is to call your immigration law and defense attorneys at Schulze Law. Reach us at (857) 300-5300, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Our after hours number is (800) 894-9267 x LAW1 (5291)
YOUR RIGHTS:
-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 you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.
-Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights. Make sure you use those rights.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Do stay calm and be polite.
-Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.
-Do not lie or give false documents.
-Do prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested.
-Do remember the details of the situation.
-Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated.
-Call Schulze Law at (857) 300-5300, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week if you need assistance.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING:
-Stay calm. Don’t run, fight or resist the police. Even if you believe you’re innocent or feel like your rights are being violated-stay calm.
-Keep your hands visible at all times.
-You may ask if you can leave. If the officer says yes, peacefully walk away. If you are under arrest, you have a right to know why.
-You have the right to remain silent and can’t be punished for refusing to answer questions. If you don’t want to speak to the officer, just tell the officer that you wish to remain silent.
-You can refuse an officer’s request to search your body or your belongings. You have the right to refuse consent for any further search beyond a “pat down”. This can affect you later in court.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR:
-Stop the car as safely & quickly as possible.
-Shut off the car, partly open the window and put your hands on the wheel.
-Show your driver’s license, registration and insurance information, if requested.
-You can refuse to consent a search if an officer or immigration agent asks to look in your car. If they suspect your car has evidence of a crime, it can be searched without your consent.
-The driver and all passengers have the right to remain silent. If you are a passenger, you can ask if you are able to leave. If the officer says yes, you may calmly leave. Even if the officer says no, you have the right to remain silent.
If you’ve been stopped by the Police, Immigration Agents or the FBI, contact Schulze Law today. Reach us at (857) 300-5300, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Our after hours number is (800) 894-9267 x LAW1 (5291).
We are here for you so that you can fully understand the complicated processes & resolve your issues quickly. Every situation is unique and we can help you navigate through it.
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