Navigating the legal landscape can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding the rights and responsibilities of both citizens and law enforcement. One question that often arises is whether police can question you without a warrant. This blog aims to shed light on the laws and regulations surrounding police questioning in Indiana.
If you are being questioned by police or have been arrested, you need a seasoned Evansville criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights. Contact Verdelski Miller Law today.
Warrants and Police Questioning
A warrant is a legal authorization issued by a judge or other judicial officer, granting law enforcement the right to search a person’s property or arrest a person. A warrant is not required for the police to question you or request your presence at the station for an interview.
The police can bring someone in for questioning if they have reasonable suspicion that the person is involved in a crime. This suspicion is typically based on evidence from witnesses, physical evidence, or other forms of proof.
Types of Police Questioning
It’s crucial to understand your rights and the distinction between voluntary questioning and questioning when you are being detained as a suspect.
Voluntary Questioning
Voluntary questioning, also known as voluntary attendance (VA), is a method used to interview a suspect who is not under arrest for a criminal offense.
This type of questioning can be applied to both adults and young people, and it is applicable to interviews conducted at police buildings or elsewhere.
Police may stop you on the street, ask you questions, and ask to see your identification. You have the right to refuse a search and are free to leave.
Elements of Voluntary Questioning include:
- Voluntary Participation: The suspect voluntarily agrees to be interviewed. They are not under arrest, and the interview can occur at a police building or another location.
- Interviewee’s Rights: The interviewee should be treated fairly and in accordance with legislative guidelines.
Investigatory Questioning
If the police have reasonable suspicion that you committed a crime, they can detain you. At this point, you are not under arrest but can’t freely leave. Police can then decide if there is probable cause for an arrest.
Rights During Questioning
The Constitution provides several protections when the police bring citizens in for questioning.
The Right to Silence
The most fundamental right you have is the right to remain silent. This means you are not obligated to answer any questions posed by law enforcement officers. This right applies whether you are free to leave, under arrest, or in jail. You cannot be penalized for choosing not to answer a question. It’s advisable to consult with a lawyer before deciding to answer any questions.
The police must inform suspects of their rights when arresting them.
Exception to the Rule
There is a specific exception to the general rule that you don’t have to answer questions. If you are pulled over for a traffic violation while driving, the officer can ask you to show your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. But, you are not required to answer any other questions.
Under Indiana’s Stop and Identify Law, refusing to provide either your name, address, and date of birth or your driver’s license if you are stopped for a traffic or ordinance violation is considered a Class C misdemeanor.
However, you are not required to answer any other questions.
The Right to Legal Counsel
You have the constitutional right to consult with a lawyer if you’re in custody. You may be considered in custody even if you have not formally been arrested. Custody means that your freedom of movement is restricted and you are not allowed to leave.
The role of a lawyer is to safeguard your rights. Once you express your wish to speak to a lawyer, officers should cease asking you questions.
If they continue to question you, you still have the right to remain silent. If you don’t have a lawyer, you can still tell the officer that you wish to speak to one before answering any questions. If you do have a lawyer, it’s a good idea to carry their business card with you.
Contact an Evansville Criminal Defense Lawyer
In summary, while the police in Indiana can request your presence for questioning, they cannot compel you to do so without a warrant. It’s crucial to understand your rights and the distinction between voluntary and investigatory questioning.
Remember, you have the right to legal representation and the right to remain silent. If you’re uncertain about anything, it’s always best to consult with a seasoned defense lawyer in Evansville, Indiana.
Contact Verdelski Miller at 812-425-9170 for a free case evaluation.
