Can you refuse to answer questions to a cop?

Can police tell you who reported you?

Unless the police tell you who called, you're not likely to find out. Do a FOIA (Freedom Of Information Act) request for any documents related to the offense you're asking about.

What do I say if I don't want to answer a question in court?

If you don't want to answer a question, don't ask the judge whether you must answer it. If it is an improper question, the prosecutor trying the case will object and take it up with the judge. If there is no objection, answer the question.

Can police force you to come in for questioning?

The “someone” is under no obligation to go in for questioning without a warrant. And even with a warrant they are under no obligation to answer any questions. In nearly all states the police can lie and say things that would lead one to believe they're going to be in big trouble if they don't do X, Y or Z.

Is yelling at a cop obstruction?

Screaming or yelling coupled with blocking or impeding the officer could be considered obstruction. Failure to identify. Many states have failure-to-identify laws that require a person to give their name to an officer or prohibit giving an officer false information. Assault or battery.

Why do cops ask where you are going?

The real purpose is to seek what are called admissions to crimes and/statements against interest. If you are charged with a crime, these statements will almost certainly be used against you.

Do cops have to answer "Are you a cop?"?

No federal or state law requires cops in California to identify themselves as police officers to the public, even if someone asks them directly. This is also true of police officers who work undercover.

When can you say no to a cop?

The Fourth Amendment requires that “consent not be coerced, by explicit or implicit means, by implied threat or covert force. All persons have a right to refuse consent to a search of their vehicle. Exercising this Constitutional right is not an admission of guilt.

What is the right to not answer questions?

The Right to Remain Silent

The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects people from being compelled to give testimony that could incriminate them. This is not the same as saying that a person has a right to silence at all times. In some situations, police may use silence itself as incriminating evidence.

Can you refuse being taken in for questioning?

If the police want to conduct questioning without a warrant, they usually will not be able to detain you against your will. You can generally refuse to answer questions that you feel may incriminate you.

Do you have to roll down your window for police?

You must roll down your window, keep your hands in sight, get out of the car, and comply with certain other orders an officer gives you. Failing to do so, even innocently, will increase an officer's suspicion and risk escalating the dynamic of a traffic stop.

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.

Is it legal to cuss at a cop?

Legality. Freedom of speech is protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, so non-threatening verbal abuse of a police officer is not in itself criminal behavior, though some courts have disagreed on what constitutes protected speech in this regard.

Is flipping off a cop illegal?

Legally speaking, no. That's considered by the courts as free speech, which IS protected by the 1st Amendment. So no, cops cannot stop you for flipping the bird at them, and if one did, the stop would be ILLEGAL AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL, the millisecond it started.

What is a 148 police code?

Resisting Arrest under California Penal Code Section 148(a) PC is a broadly defined criminal offense that makes it illegal to intentionally resist, delay or obstruct a law enforcement officer or emergency medical technician from performing his or her lawful duties.

Can you refuse to answer questions during a police interrogation?

Providing false information is a crime under California law, and making untruthful statements will damage your credibility if your case proceeds to court. If you don't wish to answer, invoke your right to remain silent instead.

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.

Can police refuse to respond?

When you call 911 in an emergency, the police don't have to respond to your call. If someone breaks into your house or your partner threatens to hurt you, the police don't have to respond. If you report a neighbor's continual slashing of your tires, the cops can ignore your calls.

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.

How do you politely refuse to answer a question?

Can you say I decline to answer in court?

In a more formal setting such as a deposition, hearing or trial, the person might say: “On the advice of counsel, I invoke my fifth amendment privilege against self-incrimination and respectfully decline to answer your question.”