Sage-Tips

What do I legally have to tell the police?

If the police suspect you of committing an offence they must inform you of the general nature of the offence believed to have been committed. If asked to do so, you must give your name, address, date and place of birth and nationality to the officer. You may also be asked for an explanation of your behaviour.

Can police trick you into a confession?

He may have, or he may not have. If the police manage to secure a confession from you this way, it can be used against you even if it was based on a lie. Although you have a constitutional right not to be subject to compelled self-incrimination, most forms of “confession by trickery” are not considered “compelled.”

Is lying against the law?

Under Section 1001 of title 18 of the United States Code, it is a federal crime to knowingly and willfully make a materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the United States.

Can the police look through your phone when you’re arrested?

Plenty of nuanced laws of the land tend to be misunderstood—or totally unknown—by the general population. So, if you have a run-in with the law, make sure you keep in mind these police officer secrets. The police don’t have the right to look through your phone, even when you’re in custody.

Can a police officer say they found your DNA at crime scene?

If a policer officer tells you that they found your DNA at the scene of the crime, they may not necessarily be telling the truth—and that’s perfectly within their rights.

Can a police officer lie to you about having evidence?

Virginia that “when a law enforcement officer physically intrudes on [a person’s property] to gather evidence, a search within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment has occurred.” Police officers can legally lie to you about having evidence.

Can a police officer demand to see your photos and videos?

Police officers also can’t ask you to delete any footage or film you get. The only instance in which an officer can demand to see your photographs or videos is with a warrant—and even then, they don’t have the right to delete things from your phone. Not all states require that you show an officer your identification.