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Know Your Rights

When an officer stops you, what you do in those first minutes matters more than most people realize. This guide tells you clearly what you’re allowed to do, what you’re not allowed to do, and how to carry yourself so your rights don’t get misused — and you don’t make a bad situation worse.

Your core rights
These are the ground rules. Everything else builds on them. Say them calmly; practice them.
Right to stay silent

You don’t have to answer questions. Say “I want to remain silent” out loud, then stop talking — even small talk can be used against you.

Right to a lawyer

If you’re arrested or detained, say “I want a lawyer” and keep repeating it. You have the right to speak to one before answering anything.

No searches without consent

You can refuse a search of your body, car, or house. If they search anyway, don’t physically resist — just say “I do not consent to this search” clearly.

Know if you’re free to leave

Ask “Am I free to go?” If yes, walk away calmly. If no, you’re being detained — you have rights then too.

Right to know why

If you’re arrested, you have the right to be told what you’re being charged with.

What you’re allowed to do
These things are legal. Doing them protects you — don’t let anyone talk you out of them.
Stay silent

It is always legal to say “I’m choosing to remain silent.” Silence itself is not an admission of anything.

Record the encounter

In most places, you may film police in public as long as you’re not interfering. Recording is your evidence — it protects everyone.

Walk away (if free to leave)

If an officer has stopped you but hasn’t arrested you, you can calmly say “I’m leaving now” and go.

Ask for a lawyer, and ask again

You can ask for a lawyer at any point — before answering questions, before any search, before signing anything.

Read before you sign

You often aren’t required to sign a form on the spot. Read first; “I’d like to speak to my lawyer before I sign” is always allowed.

What you’re not allowed to do
These can add charges, even if you were in the right. Knowing them keeps a difficult moment from becoming worse.
Do not physically resist

Even if the officer is wrong, fighting or pulling away can become a separate, serious charge. Resist with your words, not your body.

Do not lie to an officer

Refuse to answer, but never lie — lying can be a crime on its own. Silence is safer than a false statement.

Do not run

Fleeing is often treated as its own crime and sharply increases danger for everyone nearby.

Do not obstruct or interfere

Physical obstruction, or telling bystanders to interfere, can bring separate charges. Watch, record, and stay clear.

Do not get aggressive

Yelling, cursing, or sudden movement escalates a situation faster than almost anything. Breathe — stay calm.

Say exactly this
Simple, calm, repeatable. These phrases use your rights without escalating. Repeat them as many times as needed.
Am I free to go?
If they say yes, leave calmly. If no, you’re being detained — you have rights then too.
I’m choosing to remain silent.
Say it out loud, then stop talking. You never have to explain your silence.
I want to speak to my lawyer.
Say it after any question you’d rather not answer. Repeat it until you get one.
I do not consent to this search.
State it clearly. Don’t block them — just say it. Your objection protects you later.
I’d like to call my family / my lawyer now.
You have a right to contact people and counsel. Ask, and keep asking.
Practical advice
How you carry yourself in the moment, and what to do afterward.
Stay calm, even when you’re scared
Your body language matters. Keep your hands visible — out of your pockets. Move slowly and tell the officer what you’re about to do (“I’m reaching for my wallet”). Being calm costs you nothing and de-escalates everything. If you get an order that feels wrong, don’t argue in the moment — obey, stay calm, and fight it legally afterward.
Don’t volunteer anything
Innocent people often talk too much because they think they have nothing to hide. Anything you say can be used against you. Answer identifying basics if required, then stop. You are never required to help build a case against yourself.
Memorize your version of events
As soon as it’s safe, write down: the officer’s name and badge number, patrol car number, time, location, what was said and done. Collect witness names and numbers. If you can, record legally from the start. Details fade fast — write them while fresh.
Never sign under pressure
Read every document before you touch it. “I want my lawyer to see this first” is allowed at every step. If they pressure you to sign quickly, that’s exactly when you slow down. A signature is powerful — don’t give yours until you understand it.
If you’re in a vehicle
Keep your hands in sight on the wheel, turn on the interior light at night, and retrieve your license/insurance only when asked — reaching around can be misread. If they ask to search the car, do not consent out loud. If they search anyway, don’t resist — state your objection and document it.
Your rights, after the stop
You can report misconduct through the department or a civilian review board, and you can seek legal counsel even if nothing was filed against you. You have the right to ask for your own records and keep a copy of the report. You don’t lose your rights when the encounter ends — they protect you afterward too.
Emergency? Open the Monitor app.

The Monitor page broadcasts your live location to your trusted circle, so the people who love you know where you are and that you may need help — instantly and privately.