If i have done nothing wrong and a cop randomly stops me and asks me my name and address do i have to give it?

Question

I was sitting down with some friends outside his neighborhood club house and 2 cops drove over got out of the car and started questioning us about who we are , and where we live, do i have the right to keep my address info to myself or do I have to give it out

Answer 1

If you really would like to know you would need to contact your local ACLU they will have all the information for you about your state and local laws. As for me if i was sitting around not doing anything wrong and the police came and started asking me where i lived and so forth i would not say a word its non of there business and so cops will get upset. You have your rights and i feel that all citizens should us them. Cops just can't stop anybody and ask to see their I.D. that to me is Unconstitutional. They should have some reason to approach you. And before all you cop lovers out there hit me up with the old thumbs down remember that we have the right to drive where we want stand where we want and we also have the right to remain silent. Yes if the cops detain you you have to present them your I.D. but they can't arrest you for not identifying who you are at least not where I'm from.

Also i could not have said it better that the guy right above me never and i mean never consent to a search.

Answer 2

The police cannot simply stop you or detain you with out probable cause . despite what a few here say . What that means is they need a damn good reason to talk to you . simply sitting around some one property is not a crime and usually not probable cause a good attorney will both get you off and then take the police to court for a number of civil rights violations and you probably will win .
If they do have probable cause all you are required to do is provide a name and sometimes a form of ID . Beyond that remain silent as they will use any thing against you in court .Never consent to a search and ask if you are free to go, lock the door of your car if stopped and asked to get out . Do not let a officer in your house this can be construed as a consent to search ! Do not let hem on your property talk to them politely in a public place that is well traveled well it and has people who are around (if possible have a friend or relative record the encounter) and a good officer will respect that and not bother you . Do not engage in any conversation at all. just stay calm and quite .Despite what you see on TV and a few bully cops post, YOU have o rights and they have to respect that . in a safe public place with many others around . Be very careful and assert politely your rights do not get in to a argument or any other exchange with a officer , that will give them a excuse .Never offer any information to a officer it can be used against you legally . There are set procedures they have to follow . If they do detain you Ask for a Attorney ASAP say nothing else ! If there is not any charges you may be able to sue the PD and individual officers for false arrest . If it i serious enough you can peruse criminal charges and send the offending officers to prison It can and does happen . Drity cops make all cops look bad and there is not any excuse

Answer 3

It's not a question of weather you did something wrong or not. Its a matter of the law enforcement officer having reasonable suspicion to initiate an investigative stop. At that point you have to ID yourself (which includes your address)and can not refuse.

A simple call to the police that there are suspicious people in an area is enough reasonable suspicion for me to initiate an investigative stop.

Answer 4

You have to give it. You were in a spot that most likely has some criminal activity going on and the cops as many people their ID. You can be one of the good guys and answer without attitude (which can sometimes get you out of dumb tickets later) or you can be a jerk and make us look at you harder next time.

Answer 5

To find out if your really you... If you give them a false name, address and date of birth it looks like your hiding something. They wont show up at your house unless their called there. Just be honest with them. You don't want to give them a fake name who has a warrant out for their arrest. Ha ha

Answer 6

Yes.........


The Supreme Court ruled years ago that you must give biographical information (name, date of birth, address) to the police when asked.

But, you are not required to answer any questioning other than that. That's covered by Miranda, even if it is not read to you.

Answer 7

As interpreted by most courts -- yes.

Some states have provisions in their state constitutions, or specific statutes enacted in that state, that prevent such questions absent reasonable suspicion of a crime.

But generally, actions by police asking for names and ID have been allowed as valid. "Can I see your papers?"

Answer 8

You are probable better served to cooperate. You do not have to tell the cop who you are but, if he suspects you have committed a crime, he can arrest you if he fears that letting you walk away without him properly identifying you will likely lead to you never being identified. (HUH?) it makes sense, just read it a few times!

Answer 9

if questioned the best thing to do is just answer the question. you are bound by law to disclose your name address etc... to cops.

Answer 10

What are you all uppity for. Just give him your name and address you little snot nosed brat. Maybe he wants to get to know the neighborhood a little better to protect and to serve. Or, are you some sort of criminal.