You have arrived here by scanning our QR and we hope that you are seeking a fuller explanation of the suggestions found on our business cards. The things you most need to know are explained below. Bear in mind that Ron is only a phone call away and he would be happy to discuss these issues with you directly. Before we begin, congratulations on finding the right website to arm yourself to protect your rights and freedom during an encounter with the police.
A Message From Ron
Hello, This is Ron Johnson. I have practiced criminal law since 1989 as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. I have tried cases ranging from low level misdemeanors up to capital murder. Over the years, I have become very interested in defending drug related accusations. The law in this area can be complicated but I find it interesting. The complex nature of search and seizure law creates for individuals caught up in the court system, multiple defenses. Understanding and exploiting those defenses is what I enjoy most about the practice of law. If you find yourself accused or even suspected of criminal activity; call me so that together we can use the law to your maximum advantage. Before we begin, as promised, below is a fuller description of the suggestions found on the back of my business card. I look forward to working together to protect your rights.
What To Do When Stopped By The Police
The first thing to understand is what are the goals of the officer who has stopped you. This varies from officer to officer and is affected by the conditions surrounding the stop. The time of day and area of the stop will have an impact on the officer’s approach. We hope that the officer intends only to address the traffic infraction for which you were stopped. Be aware that police are trained to use ordinary traffic stops to develop probable cause to search individuals and their belongings. This is where the trouble begins. Very often, the officer’s real intention is to discover and pursue a greater offense than the initial traffic stop. Even if he or she tells you that they don’t care about a little weed in your car; understand that they can legally lie to you about their intention to take you to jail. Do not make it easier for him to arrest you. The following is a brief list of suggestions that will protect your rights and freedom.
BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL when stopped by the police. They have a difficult job and a great deal of discretion on the street. Never give him or her motivation to see that you get arrested. You can be polite while you assert your rights.
NEVER CONSENT TO A SEARCH OF YOUR PERSON, BELONGINGS, VEHICLE OR HOME. Do not physically resist a police officer even if he or she has no right to conduct a search. State your objection and we will resolve the issue in court. However, if an officer asks for permission to conduct a search say ”NO”. Many people have been arrested and charged with drugs that someone else left behind. There is nothing about having the police search your car that can improve your position. Be polite but be firm. Do not consent to a search.
NEVER ADMIT THAT CONTRABAND BELONGS TO YOU. If an officer finds contraband in your purse, car or home; do not admit that you were aware of it. You may not lie to the police. You may and should tell the officer that you wish to remain silent once he has begun to conduct a search. A terrible U.S. Supreme Court decision has recently created some difficulty in this area. Simply remember to tell the officer that you do not want to make a statement or answer questions and be sure to say that “YOU WANT TO TALK TO YOUR ATTORNEY”.
ALWAYS TELL THE OFFICER WHO IS SEARCHING YOUR VEHICLE, HOME OR BELONGINGS THAT YOU WANT YOUR ATTORNEY PRESENT BEFORE ANSWERING ANY QUESTIONS. Even better than stating that you wish to remain silent is asking to speak to your attorney before and during any questioning. The next thing you should do is stop talking.
Remember that the officer is not searching and questioning you because he wants to send you home. He could do so without the search. The fact that he is searching means that he is looking for something. He intends to use what he finds. More to the point, he intends to use it against you. No matter how nice or disagreeable the officer is; understand that his goal is to arrest you. Don’t help him.
Our only goal is to protect you.
