George C. Luther Criminal Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Law enforcement have a difficult job of protecting society and therefore may detain citizens for different reasons.  Typically, there are three types of stops police officers make:

Information.  You may be in an area where a crime has been committed and the police want to ask you questions.  Other than providing your identification you are not required to make any statements and you may remain silent until you have had a chance to talk with any Columbus criminal law attorneys.  Police officers are not obligated to tell you why they want to speak to you or even if you are a suspect.  Ask if you are free to go.  If so, you may leave.  However, leave calmly—do not give the police reason to be suspicious, such as running away.  If the officer says you are not free to go, then you are being detained.

Detainment.  You are detained when your freedom of movement has been limited by the police.  The police may detain you if they have reasonable suspicion that you are involved in an illegal action of some kind.  The police will detain you to ask questions and investigate further.

Arrest.  You are arrested when the police believe there is probable cause that you have committed a crime.  Regardless of the circumstances, you have the right to remain silent and refrain from answering questions.  You have the right to an attorney if you specifically ask for one.  If you do not request to speak to an attorney the police may detain you and ask you any questions that will aid their investigation. 

When detained

If you are detained, ask why.  The police officer may or may not tell you even after you have been arrested. Be aware that police are not required to tell you the truth when questioning or interrogating you.  Police may only detain you for questioning for a reasonable amount of time, then they must either release you or charge you with a crime.  During the time you are detained, you have the right to:

Remain silent.  Any statements you make may be used against you as evidence.

Request legal counsel.  You must request to talk with an attorney.  If you do not the police can continue to detain and interrogate you.  A criminal attorney will protect your rights during questioning and can advise you on when, how, and what to tell the police.

Refuse searches.  Only if the police reasonably suspect that you have a weapon and/or have committed a crime may they perform a pat down.  However, without your permission, they may not:

• Go through your pockets
• Search bags
• Search vehicles/homes
• Search belongings