My Rights

Requests for ID and police questions vs. The right to remain silent

If the law does not require me to give my name and ID – what are my options?

If the law does not require you to give your name and ID, deciding whether or not to give it, or to answer questions, is no longer a legal question. It is a matter of safety and using your best judgment.

Legally, you have a right to silence, to privacy, to not be stopped, and to not have your ID or information about you collected without a valid reason.
Many defence lawyers will recommend providing your name, address, and date of birth; and most defence lawyers would recommend not answering any other questions without a lawyer present.
But many parents and friends will recommend that you answer basic questions if you can do so truthfully, in order to be able to get home quickly and safely.
If you choose not to answer, you could politely respond to any questions by saying “I do not want to answer any questions until I speak to a lawyer,” and remain silent.
It is against the law to lie, or give false or misleading information to police.
It is strongly recommended not to make legal decisions without a lawyer.
Anything that you say can be used against you. Keep in mind that for the most part, police are allowed to lie, ask you questions about one thing but are really about another, mislead you about the reason for the conversation or the kind of conversation you are having.
The fact that you choose not to speak cannot be used against you in court.
Do I have to give my ID or name to the police? Do I have to answer questions?
Do I have to give my ID or name to the police? Do I have to answer questions?
If the law does not require me to give my name and ID – what are my options?
If the law does not require me to give my name and ID – what are my options?
Can I lie to the police?
Can I lie to the police?