When Do I Have to Disclose My Identity to the Police

If you are pulled over by the police, you may not give a second thought to offering your cooperation. If you are like most people, you will hand over your license or state-issued identification without hesitation. While some people do this because they are generally cooperative, others may provide their identities simply because they feel as if they don’t have a choice in the matter.

When Must People Provide Their Name?

Any person who is operating a motor vehicle is obligated to provide law enforcement officers with their name when pulled over. Police are also permitted to ask for your name during a Terry stop. If asked, you must provide your name or face additional charges.

There are also certain instances in which you are required to provide you name to police. Typically, you must be suspected of having committed some type of crime.

When Can People Refuse?

When you can refuse to provide your information to the police depends largely on the type of interaction you are having. If you are free to leave, you do not have to provide your name. If you are in a situation in which you are being detained or, worse, arrested, you will be required to provide your identification.

If you have any questions as to your rights and whether or not they were violated, you may want to consider speaking to a legal professional as soon as possible. An attorney experienced in criminal defense can answer any questions that you may have surrounding the details of your interaction with the police.

If you have been arrested in Orlando, call our offices today. A member of our team will review the details of your case at no cost to you. Call us today for more information or browse our website at your convenience.

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