NORML@UCSB's Handy Guide to Your Rights
Suppose you're sitting at home one night, minding your own business and doing what many of us enjoy doing in our free time. Suddenly, there's a knock at the door, local law enforcement coming around to bust your pad. What do you do?
Believe it or not, cops have way fewer rights than they will make you think. Here are some tips from your friends at NORML@UCSB. All of these were given to us by an actual police officer (concerned family of one of our members), and outline a few things that you should do if you find yourself in this situation. Cops are very tricky, and have been given extensive training in how to push their rights to the limit! Here's how to exercise your own:
1) Answer the door.
If they know you're in there and you don't answer the door, then they get even more suspicious and may actually come back with a search warrant. It is a terrifying thing to do, especially given your probable circumstance, but it is in your best interest.
2) Do not let the officer(s) inside your house.
There have been several reported incidents of officers entering of their own accord - this is illegal!!! The ONLY times a police officer may legally enter your house are:
a) If you invite them in.
b) If there is a crime currently in progress (eg, noise violation).
c) If they have a warrant. (see #4)
3) Do not step outside!
This is a very common technique used by police, and it leads to many of their minor-offense arrests. The second you step foot outside of your front door, as far as the PD is concerned, you are on public land. If you're intoxicated in ANY way (including if you've had only a sip of alcohol and are over 21), then you will immediately be arrested for public intoxication. At this point, the police will take you back to the station and run whatever tests they want to find out whatever else may be in your blood stream (which could potentially lead to a search of your property). The moral of the story: if a police officer asks you to step outside of the house for any reason, just tell them that they can say whatever needs to be said with them outside and you in the doorway. Do not fall into their trap!
4) If the police officer claims to have a warrant, ask to see it.
Many officers will insist that they have a warrant, just so you will invite them in! If the officer does indeed have a warrant, which you have visually verified, the proper response is, "If you have this warrant, then I cannot stop you." Never outright give permission for their entry!
5) Don't lie to the police.
This goes without saying, but it only makes your situation worse. If you've been caught, then you've been caught... it's highly unlikely that you, in your altered state of consciousness, will be able to outsmart two sober police officers with training in criminal psychology.
6) The police will lie to you.
There is nothing in the law that prohibits them from doing so, and you better believe they will do it! Make sure to get badge numbers, and do not provide direct answers whenever possible. If you are placed under arrest, be sure to give the officers your , and don't say anything without a lawyer.
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Remember, [we're told] the police are here for your safety. However, they are very skillful and rely on you being "just another dumb criminal." Especially in a town like Isla Vista, police focus heavily on substance cases, and are doing their best to "teach the students a lesson." We at NORML@UCSB are here to teach you a lesson, too, that you should know the far extent of your rights. We believe that cannabis laws are ridiculous and arcane, but also realize that a period of prohibition takes time to overcome. If you decide to engage in an act of civil disobedience, just make sure you're aware of the consequences and how to operate should they arise.
PS: Be sure to print out and carry it with you at all times (you can also get one of these from our table in the Arbor). If you are ever arrested for a marijuana violation, you simply hand the officer this card and need not say anything more (lest you incriminate yourself, you crazy stoner!).
Say NO to drugs! |