Can you be questioned without a lawyer present?

Can I refuse to answer a question?

You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.

Can you decline to answer questions in court?

Once you have been given the subpoena, you must legally oblige. If you don't understand your obligations, you should consult a federal criminal defense lawyer serving San Francisco, CA as soon as possible.

What to say when a cop asks you where you are going?

You have the right to remain silent. For example, you do not have to answer any questions about where you are going, where you are traveling from, what you are doing, or where you live. If you wish to exercise your right to remain silent, say so out loud.

How to tell if you're being set up by police?

Signs You Might Be Getting Set Up by Police

Similarly, if someone repeatedly encourages you to commit a crime or makes it easy for you to engage in illegal activity, this could be a sign of entrapment. Another warning sign that you might be getting set up is if you feel pressured or coerced into committing a crime.

Can a non lawyer represent me?

In court cases, you can represent yourself or be represented by a lawyer. Even for simple and routine matters, you can't go to court for someone else without a law license. Some federal and state agencies allow non-lawyers to represent others at administrative hearings.

Why should you never talk to the police without a lawyer?

The Risks of Speaking to the Police Without a Defense Attorney. Talking to the police without an attorney present will almost always backfire, even if you're innocent. If the police have enough evidence to charge you, nothing you say will change their mind, and you're just further implicating yourself.

Do you have to answer a lawyer yes or no?

Do not bother to ask your lawyer or the judge if you must answer a particular question; unless an objection is made and sustained, you must answer. Suggestion 13. On cross-examination, when you are being cross-examined the other lawyer will be asking you questions that, typically, require a “yes” or “no” answer.

Can you be interrogated without a lawyer?

You have the right to remain silent. If you do say anything, it can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to have a lawyer present during any questioning.

How to tell if a cop is texting you?

Can you call a lawyer just to ask a question?

In California, as in other states, free legal advice is available by simple calling 1-800-THE-LAW2 and getting connected to one of the attorneys in our network. In fact, we've been serving Californians and the local community since the 1980s.

Can you say I don't answer questions to a cop?

A: You have the same right to be silent that U.S. citizens have, so the general rule is that you do not have to answer any questions that a law enforcement officer asks you. However, there are exceptions to this at ports of entry, such as airports and borders (see Section V).

Why do cops ask "Do you know why I stopped you?"?

"It's kind of that power dynamic that I think scares some people," said Omeed Berenjian. He's a criminal defense attorney and partner with BK Law Group. "I think the most common reason is the officer wants you to admit guilt to some extent."

What do the police not want you to know?

Right to Remain Silent

This right is probably the most known of all. You have the right to remain silent when being questioned by the police. Anything you say or do can be used against you. You have the right to have legal representation at the time of any police interrogation.

Can you answer I don't remember in court?

If you do not know an answer, say so. Do not give attorneys answers you think they want. If you do not remember, say you don't remember – not that you do not know. Do not guess if you are not sure, unless you are instructed to give an estimate.

What happens if I refuse to answer questions?

Refusing to answer a question can lead to legal consequences, such as a motion to compel or sanctions, if the refusal is not justified. It's important to consult with your attorney to navigate these situations appropriately.

What questions can you not ask in court?

As a general rule, do not ask leading questions - questions which contain within them the answer, suggest the answer or call for a yes or no answer - or your direct will be interrupted with sustained objections.

Why do cops follow you but not pull?

Instead, the general rule is that police are allowed to follow you for a reasonable distance to observe your driving and determine if a traffic stop needs to be conducted. As you might imagine, a reasonable distance is interpretative and will vary based on the specifics of the situation.

Can a cop take your keys?

Under California law, during a routine traffic stop for speeding, a police officer generally does not have the legal right to demand your car keys without probable cause or a valid reason.

Can police listen to your conversations?

Law enforcement agencies must get a wiretap order before eavesdropping on a phone conversation. A wiretap order is similar to a search warrant. Because wiretapping is so intrusive, law enforcement officers are held to a high standard when seeking wiretap orders.