Our Membership and Education Organizer, Jon Gaither, has been organizing Bill of Rights conferences for high school students across the state. In addition to learning about civil liberties and the amendments to the Constitution, students receive a Know Your Rights lesson that explains what to do if stopped by Police, Immigration Agents or the FBI.
Facing questioning by police can be intimidating so it's always a worth a reminder on what rights we have when dealing with law enforcement.
If you're questioned, the police need to inform you that the questioning is voluntary and that you are free to leave at any time. Anything you say is admissible in court.
If you're arrested, it's likely that police will attempt to get you to waive your rights either implicitly (by answering police questioning after your Miranda warning has been read) or explicitly (in the form of signing an actual waiver). Always understand you have nothing to gain by talking to police without first consulting with your attorney.
You can read and download Know Your Rights cards from the ACLU here.
Think you know it all? Take the ACLU of Illinois "Do You Know Your Rights?" quiz!
