Photo: Michael Förtsch / UnsplashStops, questioning and searches
- Courts and claims
Your Rights During a Police Stop or Arrest
What the Constitution generally protects during a stop, questioning, searches and arrest, and how to protect yourself.
5 min read - Traffic and DUI
Police Questioning and Miranda Rights: What to Say, What Not to Say and When to Ask for a Lawyer
How police questioning works, when Miranda warnings are required, how to clearly invoke the right to remain silent and to a lawyer, what happens to statements, voluntary conversations and common mistakes.
3 min read - Traffic and DUI
Police Search of Your Car, Home or Phone: What Is Legal and What to Do
When police can search a car, home or phone: warrants, consent, probable cause, plain view, exceptions, how to refuse consent without resisting, what to do after an illegal search and how lawyers challenge searches.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Search Warrants and Your Rights if Police Want to Search
When police need a warrant, what a warrant must contain, exceptions and how to respond to a search at your home or car.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Filming Police and Recording in Public: Your Rights
When you can legally record police and others in public, limits on interference and tips for staying safe.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Can I Record a Phone Call? One-Party vs. All-Party Consent
How federal and state recording laws work, which states require everyone's consent and how to avoid breaking the law.
2 min read
Arrest and release
- Traffic and DUI
What to Do If You or a Loved One Is Arrested: A First-24-Hours Guide
Step-by-step guide to the first hours after an arrest: rights, booking, calls, bail and first appearance, hiring or requesting a lawyer, what family should do and mistakes to avoid.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Bail and Bond Explained: How Pretrial Release Works
What bail is, how cash and surety bonds differ, how judges set bail and what happens if you miss court.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Attorney-Client Privilege: What Is Protected
How attorney-client privilege works, what communications are covered, exceptions and how to avoid losing protection.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Probation vs. Parole: What Is the Difference?
How probation and parole work, typical conditions, what happens if you violate them and how they differ from jail or prison.
2 min read
When police go too far
- Traffic and DUI
Police Misconduct and Excessive Force: How to File a Complaint or Civil Rights Claim
What to do after police misconduct or excessive force: documenting injuries, internal affairs and civilian review complaints, federal civil rights claims, qualified immunity, notice deadlines and finding a lawyer.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Domestic Violence Charges: What to Expect
How domestic violence cases work, mandatory arrest policies, protective orders and where victims and accused people can find help.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Juvenile Court Basics: How Cases Involving Minors Work
How juvenile courts differ from adult courts, rights of minors, possible outcomes and when a case may move to adult court.
2 min read
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to answer police questions?
Generally you can decline and ask for a lawyer, though some states require identifying yourself in certain stops.
Can police search my car without a warrant?
Yes, with probable cause, consent or other exceptions.
Do police need a warrant for my phone?
Generally yes for the contents of a phone.
Can I film police?
In most places you can film in public, as long as you do not interfere.
What should I do after an arrest?
Invoke your rights, ask for a lawyer and do not discuss the case on jail phones.