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What happens if a suspect refuses to speak?
If the defendant remains silent, the court will simply enter a plea on his behalf.
What happens when you don’t stop for police?
Refusing to stop for police or evading a police officer is a criminal act, defined as not stopping when told to by a police officer. A person can be charged with misdemeanor eluding police, which is punishable by six months in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine. Or, a person could be charged with a felony.
Can witnesses refuse to talk?
Similarly, a witness who refuses to talk can be a gold mine of information in the hands of the right investigator. Caldwell cites an example of a case where a witness in a criminal investigation had been interviewed by the police, but had been unwilling to talk further and then disappeared.
Are you forced to talk in court?
In most cases, you can plead the Fifth Amendment, which legally allows you to refuse answering questions. You are a defendant in a criminal case – As an extension of the Fifth Amendment, any criminal defendant cannot be forced to testify in a courtroom.
What is it called when you don’t stop for police?
Resisting Arrest – PC 148(a)(1) Resisting arrest is a misdemeanor crime in California. If you are convicted of resisting arrest under California Penal Code 148(a)(1), you face up to 364 days in county jail, a maximum $1,000 fine, or both jail and fine.
Do I have the right to refuse to answer police questions?
No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent. In general, you do not have to talk to law enforcement officers (or anyone else), even if you do not feel free to walk away from the officer, you are arrested, or you are in jail. You cannot be punished for refusing to answer a question.
Should I talk to the police?
There is no reason to talk to the police; especially if you’re innocent. Here are the top ten reasons why you should not talk to the police:* REASON #1: Talking to the police CANNOT and WILL NOT help you. Talking to the police cannot make any difference.
The only entity with that authority is the County or Commonwealth Attorney in state court and the U.S. Attorney in federal court. The officers will tell you they do, but they are lying. They have a carte blanche to lie . Don’t talk to the police.
What should I do if I am stopped by the police?
If you do have a lawyer, keep his or her business card with you. Show it to the officer, and ask to call your lawyer. Remember to get the name, agency and telephone number of any law enforcement officer who stops or visits you, and give that information to your lawyer. Print: