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If I am walking down the street and he asks for my ID, do I have to present it? What if the police comes up with a bogus reason to make me show ID?
11 ANSWERS
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA
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Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
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I would need more facts. What you say is "bogus" may not be the case.
Answered on Apr 14th, 2013 at 10:19 PM
James Edward Smith
Yes.
Answered on Apr 14th, 2013 at 8:32 PM
John J. Carney
You do not have to talk to the police. In fact, you can turn and walk away, but that may make him mad and he may arrest you for something. You should show him your ID and then refuse to answer any questions. Ask that the questioning stop and that you be provided a lawyer. Be polite and do not run away or resist arrest, that is a crime. Do not give him false information like a fake name as that is also a crime.
Answered on Dec 04th, 2012 at 4:56 AM
Michael J. Breczinski
Well you do not have to carry one so you do not have to show one but you should tell them who you are.
Answered on Dec 04th, 2012 at 4:55 AM
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
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Austin Legal Services, PLC
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A police officer can always ask you for your ID or any other question virtually at any time as long as he has a legal right to be where he is. However, you are not required to answer an officer's questions. If pulled over, you may have to supply an officer with your ID and proof of insurance and vehicle registration, but that's about it. Be wary of police asking you questions, especially in public because Miranda warnings probably will not apply as you are not in police custody. When in doubt, don't talk to the police.
Answered on Nov 30th, 2012 at 6:26 AM
No. You have to be on probation. Otherwise the cop needs probable cause which, as you said, the cop can always "make up."
Answered on Nov 29th, 2012 at 2:06 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving McKinleyville, CA
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Law Office M. C. Bruce
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There was a famous supreme court case in which this issue was resolved as "no." But with the new Arizona "papers please" law, I wonder if that's still the law.
Answered on Nov 29th, 2012 at 2:05 PM
In general, the law in California requires individuals to carry identification at all times. The law does not specify what kind of ID must be carried. In general, a peace officer has the right to ask you for ID and you have an obligation to provide it if asked. However, a peace officer must have reasonable suspicion to justify asking for ID (e.g. he must suspect that you have done or might do something illegal or that you have no right to be in a particular place). He can't just arbitrarily ask some individuals for ID and not ask others.
Answered on Nov 29th, 2012 at 2:03 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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A difficult question, if there is no probable cause the police have no right to demand identification, but if they do they can. Reality is that in court the police have more experience than you and know the magic words.
Answered on Nov 29th, 2012 at 2:02 PM
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You are required to give your ID if the officer has reasonable suspicion that you are committing a crime or have just committed a crime. The crime does not have to be serious. Jaywalking, for example, would be enough of a reason for the officer to ask for your ID.
Answered on Nov 29th, 2012 at 2:02 PM
Thomas Edward Gates
He can ask for your ID at any time, even when you have not done anything.
Answered on Nov 29th, 2012 at 2:02 PM