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What Should I Do If Police Say They’ll Go Easy On Me If I Cooperate?


When the police tell you they can go easy on you if you cooperate, it’s a lie. Police have very little discretion on what kind of charges to file. For the most part, police officers and detectives are required to charge as many charges as are supported by the facts, and the most serious charges that are supported by the facts. The likelihood that a police officer even has the ability to go easy on you is virtually non-existent. They are using it to manipulate you. When law enforcement says they want you to cooperate, cooperate means admit to the crime. That’s all they want you to do.

What Should I Do If Police Are At My Door Asking To Talk To Me?

If a police officer is knocking on your door, you have no obligation to answer or to talk to them. Police can’t force entry unless there is some emergency circumstance or if they have a search warrant. If they just want to talk to you, you have no obligation to answer the door or talk to them at all.

When Do I Have To Show Law Enforcement My ID?

You are always required to show a police officer identification when they request it. Actually, there is some indication in the case law precedent that refusal to give them your identification would give them probable cause to take the questioning or the encounter to the next level.

When Can Police Order Me Out Of My Vehicle?

Police are given a wide latitude when it comes to traffic stops. A person can lawfully be asked to get out of their car, even if the police officer is just going to write simple traffic tickets. There is very little support for the idea that a person can remain in their car and refuse to get out. It’s a great way to escalate the situation. You should follow the officer’s instructions but say and do as little as possible.

What Are The Rights Of Passengers During Traffic Stops?

Passengers have the same rights as the driver. The most important one is to remain silent. If a passenger is charged with certain crimes relating to possession of contraband that is in the car, there are complicated constitutional issues as to whether they could object to the search of someone else’s vehicle. In terms of the police encounter, though, they have the very same rights as the driver. Passengers cannot refuse to produce identification, though.

Am I Within My Rights To Refuse Any Questioning After I’ve Been Arrested?

Refusing to answer questions from the police, after being arrested, is not only within your rights, it is strongly recommended. Staying silent is maybe the most important thing that you can do. It’s also probably the easiest thing you can do that will pay dividends later on, if you are charged with a crime. Once you have admitted to wrongdoing, it’s very difficult to overcome that evidence later in the case, even if you are alleging that the statement was coerced. It’s always better to say nothing.

What Is The Difference Between Being Detained And Being In Custody?

Detained and in custody are the same thing. There is a difference between being arrested and being detained. Being detained means you are not free to leave and you are in police custody, although you haven’t been formally charged yet. Arrested means being charged with a crime and put under arrest.

For more information on Cooperating With Police In An Encounter, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (708) 218-0947 today.

Donald N. Macneil, Esq.

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