Is it legal for a cop to text you?

What kind of texting is illegal?

SHAFT Content. SHAFT is an acronym that stands for “Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms and Tobacco.”. Most messaging programs related to these types of content are prohibited, but there are exceptions.

How to sue for unsolicited text messages?

Can you just walk away from cop if they try talking to you?

Unless a police officer has probable cause to make an arrest, reasonable suspicion to conduct a stop and frisk, or a warrant, a person generally has the legal right to walk away from the officer. However, at the time of the encounter, there's often no real way to know what information the officer is relying on.

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.

Are text messages protected by law?

California. California's Public Records Act (CPRA) treats electronic communications, including text messages, as public records if they are used to conduct public business. This law applies regardless of whether the communication device is personally owned or provided by the government.

Can you go to jail for text messages about drugs?

Your involvement may simply be as a witness to build a case against the drug dealer. It's also possible that the text could lead to a criminal investigation against you, but as stated before, the criminal investigation would likely be for drug possession, not for just texting about drug use.

Can police use your words against you?

If you say something voluntarily before they start questioning you—or if they never officially question you—the words you said in their presence may still be used against you in court. That's why it's always best to remain silent until speaking with an attorney—whether or not your rights are read to you.

Is it illegal to talk bad about cops?

Words alone—even profane, offensive, and insulting ones—directed at police generally won't be enough for disorderly conduct charges. These words are protected under the First Amendment.

Is it ever OK to talk to cops?

No. Call a criminal defense attorney in your area now. You should never talk to police without an attorney present, and only if you are advised by an attorney to give a statement. Police officers may lie to you to get you to start talking.

How to tell if a cop is texting you?

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.

Is ignoring a cop illegal?

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. It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before agreeing to answer questions.

What happens if a cop pulls you over but doesn't give you a ticket?

Discretion of the Officer: Often, police officers have discretion in whether to issue a ticket or a warning during a traffic stop. If the officer returned your documents without issuing a ticket, it's possible they decided to give you a verbal warning instead.

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.

Can you sue for text harassment?

Harassing messages sometimes rise to a level at which you can sue a harasser or abuser in civil court. A victim may also have a claim for defamation or libel in connection with Internet misconduct, if the harassing messages were sent to third parties.

Is it legal to text someone without their permission?

The biggest thing is you can't just send unsolicited text messages to anyone. You need that express written consent—people have to opt-in to the messages you're sending. That means you can't just take a list of cell phone numbers, import them, and send out text messages. You need a real-time opt-in process.

Is a text message defamation?

Text messages usually fall under libel since they're written, while slander is spoken. But here's the tricky part: legal definitions can differ depending on your location. In some places, private texts might be seen as slander, but if they become public, they definitely count as libel.