ICYMI York Region Vice Squad Arrests 100+ Men in Project Raphael
I have outlined some general and practical tips should you ever have an encounter with law enforcement. Please note that what is offered is an very simplified explanation. The information provided is not intended to substitute experienced legal counsel and advice, but it may assist you in deciding how to best approach your case.
If you are being arrested and/or questioned, here are some things you should know. (The police should go over the rights with you IMMEDIATELY, by the way... if they don't, that could be relevant to your case later on.)
*In contrast, the police DO have the right to lie to you. They have a lot of leeway to use tactics that mess with your mind.
Keep in mind, it’s not easy to stay silent in the face of police questioning. Speaking to a lawyer can assist you in understanding how to protect and exercise your rights.
TL;DR : You have rights when you get arrested, including to know why you are being held in custody; to remain silent; to speak to a lawyer or get free legal advice; to voice your discomfort, especially if you're tired, hungry, thirsty, or sick. You do NOT have a right to lie to the police. However, the police are allowed to try and trick you. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Get legal advice ASAP.
I have outlined some general and practical tips should you ever have an encounter with law enforcement. Please note that what is offered is an very simplified explanation. The information provided is not intended to substitute experienced legal counsel and advice, but it may assist you in deciding how to best approach your case.
If you are being arrested and/or questioned, here are some things you should know. (The police should go over the rights with you IMMEDIATELY, by the way... if they don't, that could be relevant to your case later on.)
- You have a right to KNOW WHY you have been taken into custody.
- You have a right to SILENCE. The choice to cooperate with the police, whether as a witness or as a potential suspect, is up to you.
- You have a right to retain and instruct a LAWYER. If you don't know or have a lawyer, the police will connect you with DUTY COUNSEL (free legal advice).
- You have a right to EXPRESS DISCOMFORT. Feeling hungry? Tired? Sick? Say it out loud so that a judge or jury later on can determine whether your statement is voluntary.
- You do NOT have a right to lie or mislead police in the execution of their duty. If your inclination is to fib, SHUT YOUR MOUTH instead.*
*In contrast, the police DO have the right to lie to you. They have a lot of leeway to use tactics that mess with your mind.
Keep in mind, it’s not easy to stay silent in the face of police questioning. Speaking to a lawyer can assist you in understanding how to protect and exercise your rights.
TL;DR : You have rights when you get arrested, including to know why you are being held in custody; to remain silent; to speak to a lawyer or get free legal advice; to voice your discomfort, especially if you're tired, hungry, thirsty, or sick. You do NOT have a right to lie to the police. However, the police are allowed to try and trick you. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. Get legal advice ASAP.