Questioned on the way home
Walking home with headphones in, you notice a patrol car slow next to you. An officer gets out and says there was a report of a fight nearby, and you "match a description." You weren't involved and don't know anything about it. Your phone is at 5% and your bus leaves in ten minutes.
Kisa ou ta ka fè?
Chwazi yon repons pou wè kijan sa anjeneral pase.
Prensip jeneral yo
- You may always ask whether you are free to go; if yes, you may calmly leave.
- The right to remain silent belongs to everyone, including minors, and using it cannot be treated as guilt.
- Some states require giving your name when lawfully detained; beyond that, questions can wait for a parent or lawyer.
Pwochen etap ki pi an sekirite
- Keep hands visible; move slowly; take headphones out.
- Ask "Am I free to go?" and follow the answer calmly.
- If detained: name only, then "I'd like to remain silent and I want a parent and a lawyer."
- Afterward, write everything down and tell a trusted adult the same day.
"Stop and identify" rules differ by state, and rules for questioning minors differ too. The calm script above is safe everywhere.
Always tell a parent or trusted adult about any police stop, even one that ends fine. If anything felt wrong, they can help you file a complaint or contact legal aid.
Sipò ou ka jwenn
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (ap louvri nan yon nouvo onglè)
Gid sou dwa ou konsènan lapawòl, manifestasyon, kontwòl lapolis, imigrasyon, ak dwa elèv, plis biwo nan eta yo ki resevwa plent.
- LawHelp.org (ap louvri nan yon nouvo onglè)
Anyè ki jwenn pwogram èd legal gratis nan eta ou pou lojman, fanmi, lekòl, travay, ak plis ankò.
Tèks konplè paj sa a poko tradui, se pou sa li parèt an angle anba a. Rezime a, etikèt yo, ak enfòmasyon sou sekirite ki anlè yo tradui.
Ou vle nou sonje sa? Yon kont gratis, si ou vle, ap sere ki leson ou fini. Pwogrè ou