Know Your Rights
It is important to know your rights and think first about the law before you speak or act.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, police abuse continues to be a major civil rights problem in the United States, particularly against the poor and disenfranchised.
Today's conservative courts generally support broad police powers at the expense of individual civil rights.
Santa Rosa and Sonoma County law enforcement are no exception. Illegal stops and arrests happen here, and police statements and "advice" are often misleading.
You may wish to read the following internet publications which discuss your rights during police encounters:
State Bar of California, What should I know if I am Arrested?
Sonoma County ACLU, Your Rights and the Police, and Police Accountability
California ACLU, Know Your Rights when Encountering Law Enforcement
National Lawyers Guild, Know Your Rights! Pamphlet, and Know Your Rights Manual
Midnight Special Law Collective, Dealing with Police
Access more resources: For more videos like these shown here, visit FlexYourRights.org. In addition, on this site Jake lists internet links for a wide array of civil rights organizations, as well as every Santa Rosa and Sonoma County law enforcement agency. Click on Resources and scroll down under the column heading "Agencies & Organizations"
Consult a lawyer for legal advice: Note any publication dates on the above materials and understand that laws change, and in addition your circumstances may require different considerations. None of this information is legal advice because it isn't individually directed or tailored to you; always consult with a lawyer about your unique situation.