Know Your Rights When Being Questioned by Police
So the police came to ask some questions, and I wasn't sure what to do.
It's totally normal to feel that way. First off, you have rights. In New Jersey, you might need to give your name, but then you can say, 'I choose to remain silent.'
What if they keep asking me questions?
You can refuse to answer and ask, 'Am I free to go?' If they say no, ask them why.
It's important to know if you're being detained or if it's voluntary.
Got it. And what if they want to search me or my stuff?
You can ask, 'Do you have a warrant to search me or my property?' If they don’t, you can say no—but don’t interfere if they decide to search anyway.
What if I agree to the search?
If you agree, remember you can change your mind at any time and tell them to stop. But again, don’t interfere if they continue.
Staying calm seems really important too, right?
Absolutely. Keeping your hands visible and being polite can help avoid escalating the situation.
What if something goes wrong during the encounter?
If you feel your rights were violated, document the incident with as much detail as possible as soon as it's safe.
And then what should I do?
Once you're free to leave, you can contact a criminal lawyer or civil rights attorney to discuss what happened.
