Getting stopped by the police is not a fun experience for anyone. It can be particularly stressful if you are unsure of your rights. You may also have justifiable concerns about the police using force or hurting you in some way.
Although Connecticut law enforcement can stop you if they have reasonable suspicion that you have committed a crime, they cannot stop you solely for the purpose of asking you for your ID. During any encounter with the police, you should remain calm and polite and exercise your right to remain silent. If you are arrested, exercise your right to counsel and reach out to our Connecticut criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible.
With offices in Hartford and Waterbury, the Sills Law Firm advocates for clients throughout Connecticut who have been charged with all types of crimes. For each case, we work hard to help our clients get the best possible outcome. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Connecticut criminal lawyer, reach out to our law offices today.
What Should I Do If the Police Stop Me in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, the police do not have the right to stop you on the street and ask you to identify yourself. However, they can require you to provide them with ID if you are pulled over while driving. The police can also perform an investigatory stop in certain situations.
Known as a Terry stop, law enforcement can stop you if they have reasonable suspicion that you have committed or are in the process of committing a crime. Reasonable suspicion is something more than a hunch. During a Terry stop, the police can ask you questions to investigate whether you are involved in a crime. They can also pat you down (frisk you) to check for weapons.
If you are stopped by the police while in public, you should do your best to stay calm. Keep your hands where the police can see them and do not resist or try to obstruct the officers. Do not run away, lie, or give fake documents. Taking these steps can minimize the risk of police violence during this type of encounter.
You do have certain constitutional rights during a stop. This includes:
- The right to remain silent: other than providing your name and possibly your identification, you are not required to provide any additional information. Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to avoid incriminating yourself. Politely tell the police that you are exercising your right to remain silent and then do not respond to any questions or volunteer any information.
- If you are arrested, you have the right to a lawyer. When you are exercising your right to remain silent, you can also tell the police that you want to talk to your attorney before answering any questions.
- You have the right to refuse to consent to a search. While the police can frisk you if they suspect that you have a weapon, you can say no if the police ask if they can search you. The police might still search you against your will, but refusing consent will preserve your rights if you are charged with a crime.
If you are arrested, do not resist arrest even if you believe that it is unlawful. Continue to insist on your right to silence and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not try to explain yourself or sign anything. Remember: the potential penalties for many Connecticut offenses, including both violent crimes and lower-level property crimes, can include jail time. To protect your rights and your freedom, ask to talk to a Connecticut criminal defense lawyer and refuse to say anything else.
What Should I Do If the Police Show Up at My House?
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution prohibits warrantless searches and seizures. This means that, with some limited exceptions, the police need a warrant to enter your house. An example of such an exception is exigent circumstances or an emergency, such as if the police hear screams that sound like someone is being hurt inside your house.
If the police show up at your house, you do not have to let them into your house unless they have a warrant that allows them to do so. If they claim to see a warrant, ask the police officer to hold it up to the window or slide it under the door so that you can read it.
Make sure that the warrant is for your address. You should also note what areas can be searched and what items they can look for per the warrant. If they do not have a warrant, do not consent to a search.
Even if the police have a valid warrant, you still have a constitutional right to remain silent. Do not offer any information or answer any questions. Stay calm and polite, but tell the law enforcement officers that you are exercising your right to remain silent. If you are arrested, continue to maintain your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
Unfortunately, the police have a lot of power in encounters with the public. The most important things that you can do include:
- Remain silent
- Avoid escalating the situation or giving the police a reason to arrest you
- Do not consent to a search
- Exercise your right to legal counsel
- Do not resist arrest, even if you believe it is unlawful
Doing these things can help to preserve your rights and may give your Connecticut criminal defense attorney a basis to challenge the charges against you. For example, if the police illegally search you or your house, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress any evidence that was unlawfully obtained. If you consent to the search, then you won’t be able to make that argument.
Help from an Experienced Connecticut Criminal Defense Attorney
Being stopped by the police can be terrifying. If it happens to you, the best thing that you can do is stay calm and exercise your right to remain silent. If you are arrested, our Connecticut criminal defense attorneys will work hard to protect your rights and your freedom.
The Sills Law Firm offers zealous legal representation for clients who have been charged with crimes in Connecticut. We will take the time to investigate the charges against you to develop the strongest possible legal and factual defense. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Connecticut criminal defense lawyer, give our law office a call at 860-524-8118 or fill out our online contact form.
