Know Your Rights

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Questions and Answers

What should you establish from the very outset of a traffic stop event?

Your refusal to do business with the officer

What should you ask the officer if they request information or documents?

Is that a request or a demand?

Why is it important to ask the officer if you are free to go?

To establish that you do not consent to the contact

When a police officer stops you on the street, the stop will fall into one of three categories. What are these categories?

Consensual contact, detention, and/or arrest Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a courteous beginning with a law enforcement officer?

To obtain the desired outcome Signup and view all the answers

Why does a law enforcement officer need your consent and testimony during a traffic stop?

To build a case against you for a traffic infraction Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you do not establish by your own statement that you do not agree to be stopped?

A presumption is created that you do agree to being detained Signup and view all the answers

What is the time limit established by statutory law for being stopped?

15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the first objective of the officer in dealing with you?

To form a contract Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of asking the officer for his identification?

To satisfy yourself that he isn't an impostor Signup and view all the answers

What should you say to get a request on the record?

I am handing this over under duress Signup and view all the answers

What should you ask the officer if he is still attempting to detain you after asking the fourth question?

Am I free to go? Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the officer answers that he is detaining you?

Ask if he has a well founded probable cause Signup and view all the answers

What should you ask the officer if he states that he has a well founded probable cause?

Do you have a license to make such a legal determination? Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you feel that a police officer may become violent during an interaction?

Politely ask for the officer's business card Signup and view all the answers

What information should you give when asked for identification purposes during an interaction with a police officer?

Your True Name (First Middle) only Signup and view all the answers

In what situation are you subject to your state's traffic regulatory scheme, according to the text?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if an officer detains you without stating a probable cause reason?

Memorize their badge number and/or name Signup and view all the answers

During a traffic stop, the encounter between you and a law enforcement officer can fall into which of the following categories?

Consensual contact, detention, and/or arrest Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a courteous beginning with a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop?

To obtain the desired outcome Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to question and make a determination of the authority of anyone who approaches you purporting to represent a government agency?

To ensure your rights are honored Signup and view all the answers

What should you say if a police officer refuses to give you their business card during an interaction?

Memorize their badge number and/or name Signup and view all the answers

When may an officer have a legal basis for probable cause during a traffic stop?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What are the constitutional grounds that can defeat a traffic law violation charge?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are asked to sign something during a traffic stop?

Write 'under duress' above your signature Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are stopped by a police officer?

Establish that you do not voluntarily consent to being detained and ask your own questions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a time limit during a traffic stop?

To assert your rights and be free to go if reasonable cause is not established within the time limit Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of asking the officer if a request is a demand?

To demonstrate knowledge of your rights Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask the officer for his identification?

To satisfy yourself that he isn't an impostor Signup and view all the answers

What is the first question you should ask the officer when they request information or documents?

Is that a request or a demand? Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the officer does not answer "yes" to your question about remaining silent?

Ask "Is that a request or a demand?" again Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask the officer multiple times if you are free to go?

To establish that you do not consent to the contact Signup and view all the answers

What should you say to the officer if he answers that he is not detaining you?

Ask him if you are free to go Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the officer answers that he is detaining you without a well founded probable cause?

Remind him that when an individual is detained without warrant and without having committed a crime, the detention is a false arrest and unlawful imprisonment Signup and view all the answers

What should you ask the officer if he states that he has a well founded probable cause?

Ask him what specific and articulable facts he has as the basis for detaining you Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the officer requests information or documents?

Ask him if anything you say or any documents you give can be used against you in any legal matter Signup and view all the answers

During a traffic stop, what should you do if you are handed a document entitled 'Notice of Charges, Etc., And Preliminary Entry of Plea' to sign?

Refuse to sign it and ask questions for the judge. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a document is considered 'prima facie' evidence of consent?

The document is considered evidence of consent at face value. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to read everything handed to you during a traffic court proceeding?

To ensure you are fully informed and not tricked into consenting to jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the right of avoidance?

The right to avoid an unconscionable contract or agreement Signup and view all the answers

What action must be taken if the officer cannot produce an original written contract that you signed attesting that you would obey the traffic codes?

The action must be dismissed Signup and view all the answers

What term should you use to refer to the state's 'case' against you in order to avoid inferring jurisdiction?

This matter Signup and view all the answers

What federal codes can government officials and employees be charged with if they bypass your right of refusal and your rights in general?

Title 18 United States Code (U.S.C.) §241 and §242 Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are asked to sign something during a traffic stop?

Sign your full name and write 'under duress' or 'without prejudice' above your signature Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing all the facts around your refusal for cause during a court proceeding?

To challenge jurisdiction and set the record straight Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you enter a plea at an arraignment?

The judge assumes jurisdiction and the case proceeds Signup and view all the answers

What should you say if the judge asks you a question after presenting your refusal for cause?

'I have nothing more to say. It's all in my filed papers, Sir.' Signup and view all the answers

What is the FIRST THING that must come out of your mouth during a traffic court appearance?

State that you are there by special appearance Signup and view all the answers

What does "special appearance" indicate in a traffic court?

It challenges the court's jurisdiction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the "refused for cause" process during a traffic court appearance?

To switch the burden of proof to the plaintiff Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the judge asks a question that is not related to the refusal for cause or challenge to presumptions of law?

Remind the judge of your special appearance and ask him to stay on point Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Asserting Your Rights During a Police Stop

When pulled over by a law enforcement officer, it is important to know your rights and remain calm and courteous.
A police stop can fall into one of three categories: consensual contact, detention, or arrest.
You have the right to question and determine the authority of anyone claiming to represent a government agency.
You can establish at the outset that you do not consent to being detained if the stop has nothing to do with an actual crime.
Once you are stopped, you have the right to be allowed to go within a reasonable time limit, which is typically 15 minutes.
By informing the officer that they have 15 minutes to establish reasonable cause for the stop, you assert your rights and put a time clock on their actions.
There are different ways to handle police encounters, depending on your comfort level and knowledge of your rights.
It is generally not recommended to converse with law enforcement, especially during a traffic stop.
By asking specific questions and making statements, such as asking if the officer has specific and articulable facts to detain you, you can assert your rights and control the encounter.
If the officer attempts to detain you without probable cause, you can inform them that the detention is a false arrest and unlawful imprisonment.
It is important to remind the officer that traffic infractions are not crimes and that detaining you for such reasons violates your sovereign rights.
You can also ask the officer if they have a license to make a legal determination and, if they do not, they must allow you to go.

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Know Your Rights

Questions and Answers

What should you establish from the very outset of a traffic stop event?

What should you ask the officer if they request information or documents?

Why is it important to ask the officer if you are free to go?

When a police officer stops you on the street, the stop will fall into one of three categories. What are these categories?

What is the purpose of establishing a courteous beginning with a law enforcement officer?

Why does a law enforcement officer need your consent and testimony during a traffic stop?

What happens if you do not establish by your own statement that you do not agree to be stopped?

What is the time limit established by statutory law for being stopped?

What is the first objective of the officer in dealing with you?

What is the purpose of asking the officer for his identification?

What should you say to get a request on the record?

What should you ask the officer if he is still attempting to detain you after asking the fourth question?

What should you do if the officer answers that he is detaining you?

What should you ask the officer if he states that he has a well founded probable cause?

What should you do if you feel that a police officer may become violent during an interaction?

What information should you give when asked for identification purposes during an interaction with a police officer?

In what situation are you subject to your state's traffic regulatory scheme, according to the text?

What should you do if an officer detains you without stating a probable cause reason?

During a traffic stop, the encounter between you and a law enforcement officer can fall into which of the following categories?

What is the purpose of establishing a courteous beginning with a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop?

Why is it important to question and make a determination of the authority of anyone who approaches you purporting to represent a government agency?

What should you say if a police officer refuses to give you their business card during an interaction?

When may an officer have a legal basis for probable cause during a traffic stop?

What are the constitutional grounds that can defeat a traffic law violation charge?

What should you do if you are asked to sign something during a traffic stop?

What should you do if you are stopped by a police officer?

What is the purpose of establishing a time limit during a traffic stop?

What is the purpose of asking the officer if a request is a demand?

Why is it important to ask the officer for his identification?

What is the first question you should ask the officer when they request information or documents?

What should you do if the officer does not answer "yes" to your question about remaining silent?

Why is it important to ask the officer multiple times if you are free to go?

What should you say to the officer if he answers that he is not detaining you?

What should you do if the officer answers that he is detaining you without a well founded probable cause?

What should you ask the officer if he states that he has a well founded probable cause?

What should you do if the officer requests information or documents?

During a traffic stop, what should you do if you are handed a document entitled 'Notice of Charges, Etc., And Preliminary Entry of Plea' to sign?

What does it mean when a document is considered 'prima facie' evidence of consent?

Why is it important to read everything handed to you during a traffic court proceeding?

What is the right of avoidance?

What action must be taken if the officer cannot produce an original written contract that you signed attesting that you would obey the traffic codes?

What term should you use to refer to the state's 'case' against you in order to avoid inferring jurisdiction?

What federal codes can government officials and employees be charged with if they bypass your right of refusal and your rights in general?

What should you do if you are asked to sign something during a traffic stop?

What is the purpose of establishing all the facts around your refusal for cause during a court proceeding?

What happens if you enter a plea at an arraignment?

What should you say if the judge asks you a question after presenting your refusal for cause?

What is the FIRST THING that must come out of your mouth during a traffic court appearance?

What does "special appearance" indicate in a traffic court?

What is the purpose of the "refused for cause" process during a traffic court appearance?

What should you do if the judge asks a question that is not related to the refusal for cause or challenge to presumptions of law?

Study Notes

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