Ring out the old, ring
in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
-
Alfred,
Lord Tennyson
As 2013 draws to a close, Connor
& Connor Pllc would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year. New Years Eve is a time to celebrate and a
time to resolve to change. However, please be safe when celebrating and keep a
few things in mind:
1.
You have
a right to say “NO.”: If you are stopped by a police officer and they ask
to search you or your car or your home, you can say “No.” You do not have to
consent to a search. It does not give a
presumption of being guilty if you say “no.” Therefore, if you are pulled over
or you are stopped, remember your right to say “no.” If you do not consent to the
search, the officers have to get a search warrant, unless there are exigent
circumstances such as the officer believes and individual’s safety is at risk.
Too often we are contacted by individuals who knew they had something in
their trunk, but gave consent for the officers to search their trunk. Do not
give consent. Even if you do not have anything illegal in your trunk or your
house, you still do not have to give consent. So take a moment and think before
you answer the question “May I search your ____.”
2.
You do
not have to answer the officer’s questions.: It is your right to refuse to
answer a question. If an officer is holding you, you do not have to answer the
questions of the officer. Now sometimes, you may want to answer the officer’s
question, for instance if he asks if you are a medical marijuana patient and
you are, you may want to answer “yes” and show him your valid medical marijuana
patient card. However, you do not have to answer the questions.
3.
You can
request to speak with your attorney. If an officer is holding you or has
arrested you, you can request to speak with your attorney. State very clearly,
“I will not answer your questions until my attorney is present. My attorney is
Connor & Connor Pllc and can be reached at 702-750-9139.”
Unfortunately, these rules won’t always keep you safe.
Sometimes, officers use unjustified force or excessive force. Last New Year’s such
an incident occurred. (Click here to
learn more). If you have been the victim of excessive force, please contact
Connor & Connor Pllc.
If you feel that the police searched you or your property without probable cause, contact Connor & Connor PLLC today. The attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc are ready to defend Nevadans facing criminal charges in either state or federal court. We serve clients from all socioeconomic levels of our community and we will fight the charges with everything in our power to make sure your rights are protected. Our rates are reasonable and we are willing to negotiate payment plans if necessary on a case by case basis. Unlike some law firms, Connor & Connor Pllc is able to accept payment by credit or debit card. All funds will be placed in our client trust account until earned by the attorney working the case. If you are facing criminal charges, contact one of the attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc as soon as possible for a free consultation. You may contact the firm at info@connorpllc.com, (702) 750-9139 or visit www.connorpllc.com. You may also visit the firm's page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/ConnorConnorPllc.
