What are my rights when speaking to Pittsburgh police?

If you are approached or questioned by police in Pittsburgh, it is important to understand your legal rights. Whether you are stopped on the street, pulled over while driving or contacted during an investigation, knowing what you are (and are not) obligated to do can help protect you from unintentionally harming your case or giving up key constitutional protections.

If you are stopped while driving, you are required to show your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. However, you do not have to answer questions about where you have been or whether you have been drinking. If asked to take a breath test, be aware that refusing may result in consequences under Pennsylvania’s implied consent law, including license suspension. Still, it is within your rights to refuse to answer verbal questions without legal representation.

Your most pressing concerns during a stop

If you are stopped, first and foremost, know that you have the right to remain silent (save for showing your identification in response to a request to do so, as noted above). This is one of the most important rights under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. You are not required to answer questions from law enforcement about where you are going, what you are doing, or whether you were involved in a particular incident. If you choose to remain silent, clearly state this by saying, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”