What are my rights: Police stops & traffic?

You have the right to remain silent — say it out loud: "I am exercising my right to remain silent." You can refuse consent to search yourself, your car, or your home. Say: "I do not consent to a search." In most states you must show ID during a traffic stop; passengers usually don't have to unless suspected of a crime. Officers need probable cause or a warrant to search — a refusal is not evidence of guilt. Ask: "Am I free to go?" If yes, calmly leave. If no, you are being detained — stay silent and ask for a lawyer.

What are my rights: If you're arrested?

You have the right to a lawyer. Say: "I want a lawyer" and stop talking. Miranda protections attach once questioning begins in custody. Do not sign anything or answer questions without counsel present, even to "clear things up." You can make a phone call. Memorize a lawyer's or family member's number — jail phones don't have contact lists. Do not resist, even if the arrest is unlawful. Fight it in court, not on the street.

What are my rights: Your home?

Police generally need a warrant to enter — read it through the door. Exceptions: consent, hot pursuit, or emergency ("exigent circumstances"). You can step outside and close the door behind you to talk without giving consent to enter. Landlords must give proper notice (varies by state, often 24–48 hours) before entering except in emergencies. You cannot be evicted without a court order — "self-help" lockouts and utility shut-offs are illegal in every state.

What are my rights: Protests & free speech?

Public sidewalks, parks, and plazas are traditional public forums — speech there gets the strongest First Amendment protection. Police can enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions, but not viewpoint-based ones. You have the right to photograph or record police in public performing their duties. If ordered to disperse, obey — you can challenge the order later. Refusal can lead to arrest.

What are my rights: Work & wages?

Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr; many states are higher. You are entitled to the greater of the two. Non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5× for hours over 40/week under the FLSA. It is illegal to fire, demote, or harass you for race, sex, religion, national origin, age (40+), disability, or pregnancy (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, PDA). Retaliation for reporting harassment, wage theft, or unsafe conditions is separately illegal.

What are my rights: Students?

K-12 students keep First Amendment rights at school (Tinker v. Des Moines, 393 U.S. 503) — schools can only restrict speech that substantially disrupts learning. School officials need only "reasonable suspicion," not probable cause, to search students (New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325). FERPA protects the privacy of your education records — you can request them at any time. IDEA and Section 504 guarantee accommodations for students with disabilities.

Know Your Rights in District of Columbia

Police stops & traffic

You have the right to remain silent — say it out loud: "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
You can refuse consent to search yourself, your car, or your home. Say: "I do not consent to a search."
In most states you must show ID during a traffic stop; passengers usually don't have to unless suspected of a crime.
Officers need probable cause or a warrant to search — a refusal is not evidence of guilt.
Ask: "Am I free to go?" If yes, calmly leave. If no, you are being detained — stay silent and ask for a lawyer.

If you're arrested

You have the right to a lawyer. Say: "I want a lawyer" and stop talking. Miranda protections attach once questioning begins in custody.
Do not sign anything or answer questions without counsel present, even to "clear things up."
You can make a phone call. Memorize a lawyer's or family member's number — jail phones don't have contact lists.
Do not resist, even if the arrest is unlawful. Fight it in court, not on the street.

Your home

Police generally need a warrant to enter — read it through the door. Exceptions: consent, hot pursuit, or emergency ("exigent circumstances").
You can step outside and close the door behind you to talk without giving consent to enter.
Landlords must give proper notice (varies by state, often 24–48 hours) before entering except in emergencies.
You cannot be evicted without a court order — "self-help" lockouts and utility shut-offs are illegal in every state.

Protests & free speech

Public sidewalks, parks, and plazas are traditional public forums — speech there gets the strongest First Amendment protection.
Police can enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions, but not viewpoint-based ones.
You have the right to photograph or record police in public performing their duties.
If ordered to disperse, obey — you can challenge the order later. Refusal can lead to arrest.

Work & wages

Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hr; many states are higher. You are entitled to the greater of the two.
Non-exempt employees must be paid 1.5× for hours over 40/week under the FLSA.
It is illegal to fire, demote, or harass you for race, sex, religion, national origin, age (40+), disability, or pregnancy (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, PDA).
Retaliation for reporting harassment, wage theft, or unsafe conditions is separately illegal.

Students

K-12 students keep First Amendment rights at school (Tinker v. Des Moines, 393 U.S. 503) — schools can only restrict speech that substantially disrupts learning.
School officials need only "reasonable suspicion," not probable cause, to search students (New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325).
FERPA protects the privacy of your education records — you can request them at any time.
IDEA and Section 504 guarantee accommodations for students with disabilities.

Legal information, not legal advice. No attorney–client relationship is formed by reading this page.