Evidence Games
True or False: The police cannot lie to you. If they say they have your DNA, or that someone else has confessed, this is true.
FALSE
True or False: You can invoke your right to an attorney or your right to be silent at any time.
True. Even if you initially talked to police, you can invoke your right at any time.
True or False: You must give the police consent to search your car.
False! While they still may search your vehicle if they believe they have probable cause, you can still vocally refuse prior to their search.
True or False: As a minor, if the police want to talk to you, they have to notify your parent/guardian. However, they can ask you questions without them there. Anything you say to them can be used against you.
True!
The police always need a warrant to get a DNA sample; they cannot use any other means other than a swab.
FALSE! Anything you discard (cups, tissues, etc.) can be used against you.
True or False: You can invoke your right to remain silent simply by being silent and saying nothing.
False. You must affirmatively invoke your right.
True or False: If you do not think the police have a reason to stop you, you don’t have to stop.
False! Even if you do not think police have cause to stop you, if you refuse to stop, you can still be charged with resisting arrest.
True or False: You must answer questions about citizenship status.
False
If you think the police have violated your rights, you have no recourse; you are stuck with the result.
False. If you are charged with a crime, you can try to suppress the evidence. You might also be able to file a civil suit
True or False: Invoking your right to remain silent is the same as invoking your right to an attorney.
False. Invoking your right to remain silent is great, but offers less protection than asking for an attorney.
True or False: If you do not think the police have a reason to stop you, you do not have to give them your name.
False.
True or False: A minor can ask for a lawyer just like an adult, and the police must stop questioning them.
True.
True or False: Police are required to show you all the evidence they have before questioning you.
False. They do not have to show or share evidence with you during questioning. They can even make up evidence against you to encourage you to speak.
True or False: Once you have invoked your right to remain silent, the police can still try to talk to you.
True.
True or False: You can refuse to allow the police into your home. If they come to the door, you can insist they stay outside.
True, unless the police have a warrant. Then you must allow them access
True or False: If a minor agrees to let police search their backpack, it’s the same as parental consent.
True. Police can rely on a minor’s consent if it appears voluntary.
True or False: Anything you voluntarily give to police—like your phone, clothes, or trash—can be used as evidence against you.
True. Voluntarily provided items can be collected and analyzed as evidence.
True or False: If you invoke your right to an attorney, the police can NEVER try to talk to you about that incident, ever again.
False. The police can try to talk to you about that same incident after 14 days have passed, and you must re-invoke your right.
True or False: During a police stop, you are legally required to consent to a search if the officer threatens arrest.
False. You never have to consent. If they have legal grounds, they may be able to conduct a search regardless. Refusing consent simply preserves your rights.
True or False: Police can question a minor at school without notifying parents.
True.