Ring in the New Year Safely!

Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.

-       Alfred, Lord Tennyson

As 2013 draws to a close, Connor & Connor Pllc would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year.  New Years Eve is a time to celebrate. However, please be safe when celebrating and keep a few things in mind:

1.             You have a right to say “NO.”: If you are stopped by a police officer and they ask to search you or your car or your home, you can say “No.” You do not have to consent to a search.  It does not give a presumption of being guilty if you say “no.” Therefore, if you are pulled over or you are stopped, remember your right to say “no.” If you do not consent to the search, the officers have to get a search warrant, unless there are exigent circumstances such as the officer believes and individual’s safety is at risk.

Too often we are contacted by individuals who knew they had something in their trunk, but gave consent for the officers to search their trunk. Do not give consent. Even if you do not have anything illegal in your trunk or your house, you still do not have to give consent. So take a moment and think before you answer the question “May I search your ____.”

2.             You do not have to answer the officer’s questions.: It is your right to refuse to answer a question. If an officer is holding you, you do not have to answer the questions of the officer. Now sometimes, you may want to answer the officer’s question, for instance if he asks if you are a medical marijuana patient and you are, you may want to answer “yes” and show him your valid medical marijuana patient card. However, you do not have to answer the questions.

3.             You can request to speak with your attorney. If an officer is holding you or has arrested you, you can request to speak with your attorney. State very clearly, “I will not answer your questions until my attorney is present. My attorney is Connor & Connor Pllc and can be reached at 702-750-9139.”

Unfortunately, these rules won’t always keep you safe. Sometimes, officers use unjustified force or excessive force. Last New Year’s Eve such an incident occurred.  (Click here to learn more). If you have been the victim of excessive force, please contact Connor & Connor Pllc.

If you or a loved one have suffered excessive force at the hands of law enforcement, you may be entitled to compensation. Please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc today.  The attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc are licensed to practice law before all Nevada state and federal courts. We serve clients from all socioeconomic segments of our community and we will fight to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact one of the attorneys at Connor & Connor Pllc as soon as possible for a consultation.  Any delay could negatively affect your legal rights.  You may contact the firm through email at info@connorpllc.com or by phone at (702) 750-9139 or visit www.connorpllc.com. You may also visit the firm's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/ConnorConnorPllc.