When it comes to dealing with police, it is important to know what your rights and your obligations. Although the police may stop you at any time, you do not necessarily have to answer all their questions. Police may use what you say to arrest you or as evidence in court. That’s why you should contact an experienced criminal lawyer at Parke Lawyers.
Police rights
Police have the right to ask you for certain information, as well as your name and address, especially in situations where police:
- find you committing an offence
- reasonably suspect that you may have committed an offence
- believe you can assist them in an investigation
- give you an order to stop being a nuisance or making a noise
Your rights
You have the right to ask the police why they want your information. They have to provide you with their names, as well as their rank and their assigned station. If police suspect that you may have committed a crime, they may arrest you without a warrant. It is important to check their identity, state your name and address and record any names of witnesses to the event.
If you are arrested, your rights include the right to contact a lawyer.
Remember, any conversations that you have with the police may be used against you, so only say what you are required to say until your lawyer is present. Make sure that your rights are protected by obtaining an expert criminal defence lawyer to advise you and represent you in court.
