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7 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH THE POLICE

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is bright, hard-working, and well-versed in criminal law. His legal writing is superb, and his commitment to his clients is outstanding. He will fight for you and offer you the best defense possible. Additionally, he is a pleasure to work with. I fully endorse this lawyer.”


grev minJ.S.

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“I hired Zachary after I found myself charged with a felony. He put me at ease right away and during the whole process he explained each step to where I understood everything and was always available for any questions I had. ”


grev minS.N.

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Zachary is a brilliant attorney, I highly recommend his company to resolve any legal/criminal matter satisfactorily. He still continue to work on my case to tie some loose ends. He is intelligent , prompt and a problem solver. I thank him a million times to protect my dignity and reputation.”


grev minD.G.

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Divelbiss in the past and know him to be a hard working professional. His attention to detail and care for his clients set him apart from the rest!”


grev minJoshua Black, Attorney

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is a hard worker and will advocate for his clients with an attention to detail that you don’t see very often these days.”


grev minBrandon White, Attorney

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is bright, hard-working, and well-versed in criminal law. His legal writing is superb, and his commitment to his clients is outstanding. He will fight for you and offer you the best defense possible. Additionally, he is a pleasure to work with. I fully endorse this lawyer.”


grev minJosephine Hallam, Attorney

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Mr. Divelbiss and I worked in the same office, although we were at different law firms. He was eager to learn and developed a reputation for honesty and zealous advocacy.”


grev minKristopher Califano, Attorney

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Mr. Divelbiss is a GREAT attorney, very honest and reliable. He takes his times with every client and answers all questions and concerns. Is been a pleasure working with Mr. Divelbiss and he serves his clients very well!”


grev minAllen Hsu, Attorney

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7 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH THE POLICE

 

1. ALWAYS BE POLITE

Law enforcement officials have a difficult, dangerous, and stressful job. While some may be rude and overly aggressive, most officers will be fair and courteous to you as long as you are respectful of them and the work they have to do. Addressing officers as, “Sir” or, “Ma’am,” and using terms like, “please” and, “thank you” can really go a long way. Statements such as, “I pay your salary” are never helpful and can only serve to escalate the situation.

2. NEVER FLEE

If an officer commands you to stop, either on the road or on foot, stop. You should never engage in headlong flight. Not only is fleeing from law enforcement a criminal act, it can also be used as “consciousness of guilt” evidence in a subsequent prosecution for a separate offense.

3. CLARIFY THE NATURE OF THE ENCOUNTER

There are basically three types of police encounters: arrest based on probable cause; detention based on reasonable suspicion; and consensual contact. When approached by a police officer it is critically important to ascertain the nature of the encounter. Ask the officer, “Am I free to leave?” If the answer is yes, politely remove yourself from the situation immediately. If the answer is no, ask, “Am I under arrest?” If the answer to this question is no, do not leave, but remain alert and be prepared to invoke your rights (e.g., your right to remain silent; your right to be free from unreasonable searches).

4. BE ASSERTIVE

Most people become extremely nervous around law enforcement officers and are uncomfortable invoking their legal rights. However, if you don’t assert your rights, you may effectively “waive” or surrender those rights and lose the protections afforded to you by the Constitution. Police officers are trained to coax citizens into abandoning their constitutional protections. A good rule of thumb is to follow police commands, but deny police requests.

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is a hard worker and will advocate for his clients with an attention to detail that you don’t see very often these days.”


grev minBrandon White, Attorney

Experienced Phoenix DUI Attorney

Our mission is to help keep good people out of jail by balancing the criminal justice playing field so that each of our clients has a fighting chance to achieve realistic outcomes for their individual legal situations.

5. NEVER CONSENT TO A SEARCH

The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. Warrantless searches are deemed unreasonable, but there are many exceptions to the warrant requirement. One method officers have of getting around the warrant requirement is to solicit consent to search from suspects themselves. During a traffic stop, for example, an officer may ask, “You don’t have anything illegal in the car do you?” A typical response is, “No, of course not, officer.” The officer will then say, “So you won’t mind if I look around then, right?” This is a trick. Don’t fall for it. Confidently state, “I do not wish to have my privacy invaded. I would just like to be on my way.” If the officer continues to request permission to search, make it absolutely clear that you will not consent to a search of any kind without a warrant. If the officer is asking for your consent, it is likely that he has no other legal grounds to conduct a warrantless search. Do not give in to the officer’s attempts to get you to relinquish your rights.

6. REMAIN SILENT

You have a Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, and you are under no obligation to speak with police officers about a pending investigation. Anything you say to police officers, even if you are perfectly innocent, can and will be used against you. Officers and prosecutors are experts at twisting innocent statements around and lifting them out of context to make you look suspicious. If you are stopped by the police, you should answer standard identification questions, but do not make small talk or offer other unsolicited information. If you are taken into custody and questioned by law enforcement officers, assert your rights. Say, “I do not wish to talk or answer questions. I want a lawyer.” Then, stop talking. Never make any statements to investigators outside of the presence of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

7. FIGHT POLICE VIOLATIONS IN THE COURTROOM, NEVER IN THE STREETS

If you believe that a law enforcement officer has violated your rights – by stopping your vehicle without reasonable suspicion; or conducting an unlawful search of your person, car, home or property; or by using unnecessary force – do not engage with the officer at the scene. Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can assess your situation and protect your rights.

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is a hard worker and will advocate for his clients with an attention to detail that you don’t see very often these days.”


grev minBrandon White, Attorney

Experienced Phoenix DUI Attorney

Our mission is to help keep good people out of jail by balancing the criminal justice playing field so that each of our clients has a fighting chance to achieve realistic outcomes for their individual legal situations.

KNOWLEDGEABLE PHOENIX DUI ATTORNEY

We help keep GOOD people out of jail — Future First Criminal Law is your top choice for competitive criminal defense and DUI law firms. Our practice is limited to a small number of criminal defense clients to best devote all of our time and attention to EVERY client’s needs. We understand that your future is at risk and our team will work diligently to develop an unwavering defense in court.

  • Clients Are Our #1 Focus
  • We only serve the “Phoenix Area” because we do not go outside of Maricopa county
  • Dedicated To Criminal Defense
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Have you been involved in DUI? Contact an attorney today to protect your rights and freedoms. They can help you gain an understanding of the criminal defense legal process and learn about the options available to you. Create a thorough defense strategy to give you your best chances — Schedule a free consultation.

 

Find The Right Phoenix, AZ DUI Attorney For Your Case

If you need a DUI attorney in Arizona, Look for an experienced criminal defense law firm that can dedicate all of their time and resources to helping clients with criminal charges. Find a knowledgeable DUI attorney who is willing to educate and advocate through every step of the legal process. Future First Criminal Law will get to know your case and develop a strategy that will work best for you. Request a free consultation today.

google

54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

Allen Hsu, Attorney

“Mr. Divelbiss is a GREAT attorney, very honest and reliable. He takes his times with every client and answers all questions and concerns. It has been a pleasure working with Mr. Divelbiss and he serves his clients very well!”

grev dark

 

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8650 N. 35th Ave. Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85018

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2999 N. 44th St. Suite 307, Phoenix, AZ 85018

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8650 N. 35th Ave. Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85018

We do not handle cases outside of our listed service areas but we can refer them to our trusted colleagues who do handle those out of Maricopa County areas.

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google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is bright, hard-working, and well-versed in criminal law. His legal writing is superb, and his commitment to his clients is outstanding. He will fight for you and offer you the best defense possible. Additionally, he is a pleasure to work with. I fully endorse this lawyer.”


grev minJ.S.

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“I hired Zachary after I found myself charged with a felony. He put me at ease right away and during the whole process he explained each step to where I understood everything and was always available for any questions I had. ”


grev minS.N.

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Zachary is a brilliant attorney, I highly recommend his company to resolve any legal/criminal matter satisfactorily. He still continue to work on my case to tie some loose ends. He is intelligent , prompt and a problem solver. I thank him a million times to protect my dignity and reputation.”


grev minD.G.

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Divelbiss in the past and know him to be a hard working professional. His attention to detail and care for his clients set him apart from the rest!”


grev minJoshua Black, Attorney

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is a hard worker and will advocate for his clients with an attention to detail that you don’t see very often these days.”


grev minBrandon White, Attorney

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Attorney Divelbiss is bright, hard-working, and well-versed in criminal law. His legal writing is superb, and his commitment to his clients is outstanding. He will fight for you and offer you the best defense possible. Additionally, he is a pleasure to work with. I fully endorse this lawyer.”


grev minJosephine Hallam, Attorney

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Mr. Divelbiss and I worked in the same office, although we were at different law firms. He was eager to learn and developed a reputation for honesty and zealous advocacy.”


grev minKristopher Califano, Attorney

google 54+ Five-Star Google Reviews

“Mr. Divelbiss is a GREAT attorney, very honest and reliable. He takes his times with every client and answers all questions and concerns. Is been a pleasure working with Mr. Divelbiss and he serves his clients very well!”


grev minAllen Hsu, Attorney