In recent weeks the national focus on gun control has never been more in the spotlight. With the shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando in early June, to recent events in Minnesota and Dallas it is more important now than it has ever been in recent history to know your rights. It is also crucial to have a clear understanding of how the police operate and what you can do if you are pulled over or stopped for questioning by an officer. Unfortunately, learning from these tragedies is becoming a matter of life and death.
Three lessons we can all learn from the shooting of Philando Castile are:
- How to react to being stopped by an officer and the importance of making it clear if you have a weapon, and whether you are permitted to carry that weapon. In Castile’s case this information did not save his life, but with the attention given to the case it is certain to be a piece of information that will make a difference in the future.
- Any movement other than the movements directed to be taken could be considered a threat. Before shifting or adjusting in your seat, or reaching into another compartment or behind you, make it clear what you are intending to do and ask for permission.
- The line between what is considered fair and legal is becoming increasingly more blurry, when in doubt it is best to ask what is expected of you.
Sadly there is nothing about the shooting of Philando Castile, or the tragedy that followed in Dallas that suggests doing any of these things would have led to a different outcome. But what is clear is that Americans are fed up with senseless violence and are urging their leaders to take action. In an election year, with so much media attention being given to these stories it is highly probable lawmakers will make proposals to the way law enforcement conducts themselves, and also to the rights of citizens when it comes to gun ownership. If you have questions about your rights, call us today.
Allow an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast to help you. Your first visit is a free initial consultation.