In a situation where citizens are kindly asked by police officers to show their ID, it is important to know what to do. Therefore, the first action that should be taken is to stay calm and polite while observing the circumstances prevailing at the spot. In virtually all places, you need to present identification if there is a driver or if there is a probability of unlawful conduct. However, in circumstances other than when one is arrested or suspected to have committed a crime, one can legally and appropriately decline to present his or her I.D.
Gently ask the officer why such a request is being made to determine if or not to adhere to it. It is also important not to fight back and obey lawful commands while asserting one’s right to ask questions or seek reason. Thus, knowing these principles facilitates contacts with the police, defending legal standards, and being treated with respect in return.
Below we discuss what to do after the police ask for your ID, contact The Law Offices of Bryan R. Kazarian for more details.
Understand Your Rights
The police may approach you, asking for identification, but you need to understand your rights.
While in many places you are expected to produce identification when driving or if you are suspected of having given the police causal information or perpetrating a crime, the laws differ. Politely ask the police why you are being arrested or if it is compulsory to produce any ID.
Remain Calm and Cooperative
Do not argue with the police, even if you feel that they are wrong to arrest you. Do not engage in any confrontation or aggravate the situation because it may complicate things.
Instead, you should obey the officers, but you do not have to say anything or answer questions if you choose not to; you have a right to an attorney.
Request Clarification
It is important to know why the officer wants your ID if you are not sure; the best approach is to politely confront them. Knowing the arrest reason can assist you in negotiating in a proper manner and protecting your interests.
Politeness can also help in asking questions that would determine whether one is required by law to produce any identification or not during that encounter.
Document the Interaction
When you are sure that your rights have been infringed upon during the interaction process, write down aspects such as the officer’s identification number, the time, and the place.
The latter part of this information can be especially important if you will be required to file a complaint or consult a legal practitioner afterward.
Conclusion
Situations related to police traffic checks when one is asked to provide identification can be rather delicate. Knowledge of your rights, using a non-violent approach, and comprehension are the key things in any case. It is important, though, to remember one’s rights so that the appropriate action can be taken when one is faced with unlawful requests for identification.
If you have been taken through a process you think trampled on your rights, then it is advisable to take note of the event. It is further advisable to consult a lawyer on the matter so as to have a clearer understanding of your conduct and capacities towards cops on identification.
