Know Your Rights
There are some things you always need to have in mind like favorite NSYNC lyrics, your phone number and the address of the 24 hour CVS.
While all very practical, its also important to know your rights if even stopped by police, immigration agents or the FBI.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind. For more in depth understanding Check out ACLU -American Civil Liberties Union
Rights
– you have the right to refuse consent to a search of yourself, your car or your home
-if you are not under arrest you have the right to calmly leave
-regardless of your immigration or citizenship, you have constitutional rights
Responsibilities
-do not interfere with or obstruct the police
-remember the details of the encounter
-Do file a written complaint
If you are stopped for questioning
-Stay Calm: Even if you are innocent you may be charged with resisting or obstructing the police
-Ask if you are free to leave
-You have the right to remain silent: you cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions
-You do not have to consent to a search: However police may pat you down if they suspect a weapon
If you are questioned about your Immigration Status
– You have to right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status
-If you are not a U.S citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you. If you do not have papers – say you want to remain silent
If Police or immigration agents come to your home
-You do not have to let them in unless they have a warrant
-They may slip it under the door
If you are arrested
-Do not resist arrest
-Ask for a lawyer immediately
– You have the right to a phone call
-Memorize the phone numbers of your family and lawyer
If arrested for non-citizens
– Ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal conviction on immigration status
-Only discuss immigration status with lawyer
-An immigration agent may speak with you, do not sign or speak
-Ask for an interpreter if you need on
If you are taken into immigration or ICE custody
-You have the right to a lawyer, but the government does not have to provide one for you: ask for a list of free or low cost legal services
-You have the right to contact you consulate
-You may remain silent
-Do not sign anything: if you sign you may be giving up your opportunity to try to stay in the U.S
-Remember your immigration number and give it to your family: it will family members contact you
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