Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible.
Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way, and place your hands on the wheel.
Upon request, show police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
If an officer asks to look inside your car you can refuse. But if police believe your car contains evidence of a crime, they can search it without your consent.
Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. If you’re a passenger, you can ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, silently leave.
You do not have to let them in unless they have a warrant.
Ask them to show you the warrant. Officers can only search the areas and for the items listed on the warrant. An arrest warrant allows police to enter the home of the person listed on the warrant if they believe the person is inside.
Even if officers have a warrant, you may remain silent. If you choose to speak, step outside and close the door.
You have the RIGHT to remain silent and to not speak with the police.
Even if you did nothing wrong, you are unlikely to convince the police not to charge you.
If you wish to remain silent, say so out loud – “I do not want to talk or I wish to remain silent.” If you choose to speak with the police, you should only do so with or, at least after consulting with, and attorney.
For Juveniles: Be aware that any conversations you have with teachers, school staff, resource officers, and Children Services’ workers are NOT confidential.
You do NOT have to consent or agree to a search of yourself, your belongings (e.g. cell phone), or your home.
You have the RIGHT to an appointed attorney if you cannot afford one. Two important points about this right:
You will generally not receive an appointed attorney until after you have been charged and after you appear in court on those charges.
However, you can stop any police interrogation by saying “I do not wish to speak with you until I have a lawyer” or simply “I want a lawyer.”
If you have been contacted by police or are being investigated for a crime in Cuyahoga County, you CAN call the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office for advice.
If you have been contacted by a Children and Family Services worker (CFS) with respect to your children, you CAN call the Cuyahoga County Public Defender’s Office for advice at (216) 443-3588.
Each parent has the right to an appointed attorney if CFS files an Abuse, Neglect, or Dependency case and/or seeks removal of the children.
Nothing you say to CFS is confidential. Although CFS can provide helpful services to families, CFS is often called to testify in Court and can use what you said to them against you.