12 ms·

What should I do if I am in the United States and a police officer asks me how much money I have?

grecy 12y ago
Make sure you only have $20
ars 12y ago
Whatever you want. You don't have to answer him, and he can't search you unless he arrests you. If he's going to arrest you it's probably best not to lie though. You can always say I'm not sure. If you do have more than $1,000 in cash don't allow him to search your car.
- einrealist 12y ago
  Sorry, but that is bad advice. Do not talk to the police, ever! If they arrest you, you only ask for the reason of the arrest and for legal counsil (a lawyer) and nothing more! If they give you a ticket, keep your mouth shut, receive it and present it to a lawyer. Do not consent to a search, ever! Even if you think you have nothing on you! The police is not your friend!
hackuser 12y ago
1) Do not follow legal advice from IT message boards! But if you want some tips on JavaScript, this might be the place. 2) Do seek advice from experts, such as the ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/drug-law-reform-immigrants-rights-racial-justice/know-your-rights-what-do-if-you https://www.aclu.org/drug-law-reform-immigrants-rights-racia... 3) Do not lie to police officers; it's a crime. A defense lawyer in this video advised not to talk to police at all if you are being investigated; you could misspeak (esp. under stress), be misunderstood, be taken out of context, the officer could misremember, etc. I have no idea if he's a crank or if it's good advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc
fleitz 12y ago
What you should do is be sure you're carrying less than $100 when the police officer asks you that question.
jorgis 12y ago
Ask if you're under arrest. If not, you must be free you go.
crystaln 12y ago
You should never answer such a question from a police officer. You should respectfully decline to answer. You should also not listen to me, though I think you'll find the ACLU provides the same advice.
jMyles 12y ago
What makes you even consider answering that question? I can't imagine a reason to answer, whether I was completely broke or carrying a few grand. Of course, as others have said, it's probably best to seek advice from a group that focuses on this topic - perhaps Flex Your Rights. But when in doubt, definitely don't answer. "Officer, I prefer not to discuss money right now" is a completely reasonable answer that most cops will respond to with an understanding nod. If they don't, just calmly tell them you aren't sure what questions to answer until you have a lawyer present. Again, totally reasonable answer.

grecy 12y ago

Make sure you only have $20

ars 12y ago

Whatever you want. You don't have to answer him, and he can't search you unless he arrests you. If he's going to arrest you it's probably best not to lie though. You can always say I'm not sure. If you do have more than $1,000 in cash don't allow him to search your car.

einrealist 12y ago
Sorry, but that is bad advice. Do not talk to the police, ever! If they arrest you, you only ask for the reason of the arrest and for legal counsil (a lawyer) and nothing more! If they give you a ticket, keep your mouth shut, receive it and present it to a lawyer. Do not consent to a search, ever! Even if you think you have nothing on you! The police is not your friend!

hackuser 12y ago

1) Do not follow legal advice from IT message boards! But if you want some tips on JavaScript, this might be the place. 2) Do seek advice from experts, such as the ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/drug-law-reform-immigrants-rights-racial-justice/know-your-rights-what-do-if-you https://www.aclu.org/drug-law-reform-immigrants-rights-racia... 3) Do not lie to police officers; it's a crime. A defense lawyer in this video advised not to talk to police at all if you are being investigated; you could misspeak (esp. under stress), be misunderstood, be taken out of context, the officer could misremember, etc. I have no idea if he's a crank or if it's good advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc

fleitz 12y ago

What you should do is be sure you're carrying less than $100 when the police officer asks you that question.

jorgis 12y ago

Ask if you're under arrest. If not, you must be free you go.

crystaln 12y ago

You should never answer such a question from a police officer. You should respectfully decline to answer. You should also not listen to me, though I think you'll find the ACLU provides the same advice.

jMyles 12y ago

What makes you even consider answering that question? I can't imagine a reason to answer, whether I was completely broke or carrying a few grand. Of course, as others have said, it's probably best to seek advice from a group that focuses on this topic - perhaps Flex Your Rights. But when in doubt, definitely don't answer. "Officer, I prefer not to discuss money right now" is a completely reasonable answer that most cops will respond to with an understanding nod. If they don't, just calmly tell them you aren't sure what questions to answer until you have a lawyer present. Again, totally reasonable answer.