Imagine you just got pulled over at the side of the interstate for going 75mph in a 65mph zone. The weather is cold and unpleasant. The officer who pulled you over already has your license. Now he asks that you step out of your vehicle so he can pat you down. You might wonder if… Read more
On July 3, 2009, Sergey Aleynikov, a former employee of Goldman Sachs, was arrested by FBI agents for improperly copying computer source code he helped develop for Goldman when he worked there. Believing the arrest was a misunderstanding, Sergey waived his right an attorney, sat down with the agents, and tried to clear the matter… Read more
During DUI police questioning, if you have been drinking, do not deny it. The police will probably already smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage on your breath so if you deny drinking, it will only label you a liar in the officer’s mind. If the odor is coming from the car itself or your… Read more
When Should You Take a Breathalyzer Test? Situation 17 You have been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving (what, in Ohio, is called OVI). At the police station, an officer informs you that he wants you to take a breathalyzer test. You might wonder whether you have to. The BEST answer: You should make a… Read more
Should You Take Roadside Sobriety Tests? Police Interaction, Part XVI By Benjamin A. Tracy, Columbus Criminal Defense Lawyer and Civil Rights Attorney This is the sixteenth part in a series of posts about what legal obligations you have when you interact with the police. Situation 16 You and your friends have been to a bar. You’ve had… Read more
What Should You Do When You’re Under Arrest? Police Interaction, Part XV By Benjamin A. Tracy, Columbus Criminal Defense Lawyer and Civil Rights Attorney This is the fifteenth part in a series of posts about what legal obligations you have when you interact with the police. Situation 15 You have been arrested for robbing a liquor store. … Read more
How Do You Know If You’re Under Arrest? Police Interaction, Part XIV By Benjamin A. Tracy, Columbus Criminal Defense Lawyer and Civil Rights Attorney This is the fourteenth part in a series of posts about what legal obligations you have when you interact with the police. Situation 14 Suppose you are walking along the sidewalk. Seeing someone… Read more
What to say when a police officer asks, “Where Are You Going In Such A Hurry?” By Benjamin A. Tracy, Columbus Criminal Defense Lawyer and Civil Rights Attorney This is the thirteenth part in a series of posts about what legal obligations you have when you interact with the police. Situation 13 You’ve late for a very… Read more
Is It Possible to Resist Arrest? This is the twelfth part in a series of posts about what legal obligations you have when you interact with the police. This article is about resisting arrest. Possible Situation: You’re out with a group of friends, some of whom are drunk and acting rowdy. This attracts the attention of a… Read more
Traffic Stop And K-9 Sniff Request You’re driving on a quiet residential street and you fail to come to a complete stop at a stop-sign before turning right. A police car pulls out of a side street and pulls you over. The police officer asks for your license. Then he asks if you mind waiting… Read more