Criminal:
If You Are Approached by the Police in a Non-Driving Situation:

YOU SHOULD:

• Be polite to the officer at all times.
• DO NOT physically resist the officer under any circumstances. (Resisting arrest is a crime).
• Tell the officer your name. (It is a crime to give a false name).
• Never offer money to a police officer.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO:

• Stop or talk to an officer unless the officer orders you to stop.
• Show any ID (like a driver's license) unless you are being arrested or given a ticket.
• Consent to any search or seizure; if the officer threatens to get a warrant, let him/her get one. If the officer searches you without a warrant, DO NOT RESIST, but tell him/her clearly that you do not consent to the search.
• Talk to the police without a lawyer present even if you have been arrested or ticketed.
• Stay with the officer unless you are being ticketed or arrested.
• If you are not sure whether you are being ticketed or arrested, ask the officer if you are free to leave.
• Go anywhere with the officer unless you have been arrested.

REMEMBER

• Everything you say can be used against you in court.
• If you want the police officer to stop questioning you, ask for a lawyer.
• The officer must stop questioning you immediately.
• Do not keep talking and do not let the police talk you out of getting a lawyer.
• You may ask for the officer's badge number.
• BE PEACEFUL AT ALL TIMES!!!

This information is not intended to provide legal advice. Any incidental fee-paying University of Oregon student who has questions about these types of issues may call ASUO Legal Services at 346-4273 to arrange an appointment.


ASUO Legal Services' attorneys are licensed to practice in the State of Oregon. Information disseminated in this website does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. This page is for information purposes only. For legal advice, contact an attorney licensed in your state. You should not make legal hiring decisions based upon brochures, advertising or other promotional materials.