Encounters with Police

Legal Information

• ACLU Criminal Justice Information

  Use the resources on this American Civil Liberties Union web page to learn more and take action to protect the rights guaranteed to all Americans by the Bill of Rights. Content Detail

  By:

  American Civil Liberties Union

• Auto Accidents and the Law

  Because accidents happen to even the best of drivers, everyone should be prepared to do the right things immediately afterward. Many legal troubles arising from accidents could be avoided if the persons involved knew what they should do. Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association

• Fighting Back: Stop Arrests, Police Abuse in the Lesbian and Gay Community

  Rest Stop Arrests and Police Abuse in the Lesbian and Gay Community Content Detail

  By:

  LAMBDA Legal Defense & Education Fund

• Getting Arrested and the Law

  Arrests, warrants, searches, bail, and your rights and responsibilities. PDF document (may load slowly). Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association

• Juvenile Criminal Courts

  Lawline FAQ: In South Carolina, if a child under the age of seventeen is accused of committing a crime, usually he will be tried as a juvenile in family court. In the case of certain serious crimes, specific legal steps can be taken to have the minor declared an adult for the purposes of prosecution. Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association

• Keep America Safe and Free

  The ACLU Campaign to Defend the Constitution The urgency in our campaign to keep America both safe and free has never been greater as more than 150 sections of the Patriot Act are set to expire or "sunset" unless Congress votes to reauthorize, and expand, the bill. Resources on this page will help to educate yourself and others about what's at stake with the sunsets and to take action to preserve the checks and balances that shield our fundamental freedoms from excessive government power. Content Detail

  By:

  American Civil Liberties Union

• Magistrates and Municipal Rights of Defendants

  Lawline FAQ: If you have been arrested by a police officer and ordered to appear in either a Municipal Court or Magistrate's Court or have been issued a Summons for a traffic offense or other minor offense to appear in a Magistrate's Court or Municipal Court, you should appear at the time stated on the Summons or arrest warrant. If you fail to appear in Court at that time, you will be tried in your absence and probably will be found guilty. Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association

• Police Practices

  Police abuse continues to be a major civil liberties problem in the United States, particularly in poor communities and communities of color. In New York City, Amadou Diallo, an unarmed black man, was killed in the vestibule of his apartment building after police shot him 41 times. Content Detail

  By:

  American Civil Liberties Union

• Rules on Search and Seizure

  What can police search, and when? This area of criminal investigation is extremely important, and the law sets up rules and governs what can be introduced at trial. This web site contains more information about these rules. Content Detail

  By:

  American Bar Association

• South Carolina Municipal Courts

  Lawline FAQ: There are over 200 municipal courts in South Carolina. They handle only criminal cases where the fine cannot exceed $200, and the jail term can be no more than 30 days. Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association

• Teen Law 101 - Crimes

  Teen Law 101: From arrest to trial to permanent records, this page provides an overview of common crimes and a teen's rights. Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association

• The Police and Your Rights

  The U. S. Constitution and the law of all states guarantee criminal defendants certain rights. These rights affect how criminal cases are investigated. See the section on search and seizure for more on that aspect of investigations. Content Detail

  By:

  American Bar Association

• What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration Officials

  This pamphlet describes what you should do if you are arrested or detained by immigration officials. Content Detail

  By:

  National Immigration Law Center

• What to Do If You’re Stopped by the Police, the FBI, the INS or the Customs Service

  This brochure provides detailed information about what to do to protect your rights if you are stopped by the police, the FBI, The INS or the Customs Service. Content Detail

  By:

  American Civil Liberties Union

• Your Rights Upon Arrest

  Lawline FAQ: Once you have been arrested, you have the right to remain silent. That means you do not have to answer any questions or make any statements to the police or to anyone. Although you may wish to make a statement at a later time, do not make this decision without talking to a lawyer. Content Detail

  By:

  South Carolina Bar Association