I understand there are risks but some rules of thumb would be good that I can keep in my mind if I ever come face to face with LE. Do I have to show ID or can I refuse? If they don't give me a ticket/citation to show up in court, does it mean I don't need to worry. Can they detain me without cause and say that they will contact my family? I consider these basic questions.
There's some insignificant precedents for not having to show ID..I wouldn't pull that sovereign citizen crap in a dire situation. Yes, there's some valid technicalities but you're already caught with your pants down literally, let's just show ID and get the F out of there ya know?
Again, not an attorney, however, I spend a lot of time with attorneys.
Whether it's this hobby or other ones like a traffic stop, the general flow chart is:
1) Comply immediately and shut the fcuk up. Follow instructions, provide identification (again, save the sovereign individual stuff for fantasies)
Since it's also the era of mostly peaceful protests, let me also give you guys some pointers. I've had speeding tickets where Glock 17's have been pulled on me and rightly so. That said, I also lived to talk about it obviously. You again,
do not fight or argue with cops. You fight in court.
Cops are boot lickers for a reason. That said, they still want to go home at night. They don't want to die. Lower your windows. Keep your hands visible. Do not make sudden motions. Have your documents ready or inform the officer you are reaching for them with their permission. Comply comply comply comply. You do not want Hornady Critical Defense rounds to the face.
Fight later in court.
2) Volunteer no information. Whether it's a traffic spot or you barely have a towel around your waist — don't say shit. Do not self-incriminate. They ask questions, you say, "I would to speak when my lawyer is present." (You should have a lawyer's number memorized. You should also have a criminal defense lawyer on retainer. Just 1k will do. "But I don't have that kinda money! Dude, you're on this website saying that? Get a life. You want to enjoy, then play this game defensively or suffer the consequences. You too can be writing this kinda hail mary post or you can have your ducks lined up in advance—pick. By not picking, you've already made a choice and it will be 10x more expensive going the hard way too.)
3) Here's your key line:
Just kidding. Making sure you're still paying attention..
The key line,
"Sir, am I being detained or am I free to go?"
In poker terms, you should raised your whole stack and he cannot call or re-raise without holding something. He cannot bluff at this point. Sure, he can fabricate bullshit but your attorney can shred this in court later.
He has to have probable cause at this point to proceed further to detain you.
Detaining can mean a lot of things. You be detained and released. Detained and cited. Detained and arrested.
I've had the first two but not the last one. (Completely unrelated to this hobby.)
4) You're either in handcuffs or you're walking/driving away.
5) Continue to shut the fuck up. Then rant on the boards here immediately after.