RESOURCES
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE DETAINED BY THE POLICE
If you are detained by the police, be courteous but firmly insist on your constitutional right to speak to a lawyer. Too many people questioned by a police officer make the mistake of speaking to the police and saying the wrong thing, and a case can be lost depending on what you say -- or don't say -- to the officer. Silence is not an admission of guilt and cannot be used against you in court.
• Be polite, do not lie, and insist on your right to speak to a lawyer.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT
If you are not seriously injured, and are able to do so:
• Call 911 or the police immediately, even if the accident was a minor one.
• If you have a cellphone with a camera, take pictures of the scene of the accident and the damage.
• Do not sign any document unless it is requested by the police and you have read and understand the document.
• Do not write down any notes about the accident, unless instructed by your attorney to do so.
• Talk to an attorney before making any admission that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
• If you have a cellphone with a camera, take pictures of the scene of the accident and the damage.
• Do not sign any document unless it is requested by the police and you have read and understand the document.
• Do not write down any notes about the accident, unless instructed by your attorney to do so.
• Talk to an attorney before making any admission that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.