1. You Are Stopped By The Police On The Street: Now What?

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  • Stay calm. It is not a good idea to run. Speak carefully and clearly. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.
  • It is not a good idea to touch the officers. Keep your hands where the police can see them.
  • It is not a good idea to resist, even if you're innocent or if you think the police are acting unfairly or unlawfully.

a. Can the police arrest you for refusing to answer questions?

ANSWER: Generally, you cannot be arrested for refusing to answer questions from the police.  You have a right to remain silent. Only a judge can order you to answer a question.

https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/what-do-when-encountering-law-enforcement-questioning#:~:text=You%20cannot%20be%20punished%20for,order%20you%20to%20answer%20questions

b. What if the officers do not identify themselves?

ANSWER: If the police officers do not identify themselves, you can ask them if they are a police officer, but always ask politely. There is no law against asking who someone is. However, the police do not have to tell you their name or other information.

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

c. What if an officer just begins speaking to me but does not order me to do anything?

ANSWER: General conversation by police officers is normally not considered arrest or detainment. You should ask if you are free to leave. If the police say no, then ask for an attorney and/or parent/legal guardian to be present.

https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/cmc_section/T6/6105.pdf

d. What if the officer is not in uniform or identified as an officers but I think they are one?

ANSWER: Officers should tell you that they are police officers. You can ask them if they are and also ask them for proof.

Officers shall identify themselves by displaying the official credentials or identification card before taking policy action.

(Department of Public Safety Rules and Regulations, Section 150-10-720: Identification as a Police Officer). 

Sworn officers on duty shall not conceal themselves except for some police purpose. They shall be immediately and readily available to the public during duty hours. (Section 150-10-860).

https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/admincode/T150/T150-10.pdf

e. Can I tell police I do not want to speak without a lawyer?

ANSWER: Yes, you can always tell the police that you will not speak to them without your attorney with you. If you are not under arrest, you do not have to speak to the police, but if you are under arrest, it is your right to have your lawyer with you.

Under the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Criminal Procedure, Section 6105, all arrested individuals have the right to have counsel present while being questioned by the police if so desired.

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html#gsc.tab=0

f. If I sit down, am I resisting?

ANSWER: Sitting down could be considered resisting arrest. If you want to sit down, just nicely ask the police officer is you may do so and follow the officer’s instructions.

Resisting arrest is defined as anyone who willfully resists, delays, or obstructs a law enforcement official who is doing their job.

https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/cmc_section/T6/1434.pdf

g. If I am stopped in a group, and some other kids run away, can I also run away?

ANSWER: No, do not run away. Stay calm and ask the police if you are free to leave. If the police say no, do not run away because the police could arrest you for trying to escape. You should ask for an attorney and/or parent/legal guardian to be with you before answering any questions from the police.

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

h. Can I tell others (siblings, for example) to run?

ANSWER: No, do not tell others to run. Stay calm and ask the police if you and others are free to leave. If the police say no, then do not run away or tell others to run away because the police could arrest you and others for trying to escape. You should ask for an attorney and/or parent/legal guardian to be with you before answering any questions from the police.

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

i. If the officer's language is not my first language, can I tell them without waiving my rights?

ANSWER: Yes, but you should immediately ask for an attorney and/or parent/legal guardian to be present before answering any questions.

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

j. If I did not do anything wrong, can the police stop me?

ANSWER: Yes. , Police officers can temporarily stop you to ask you questions, but you should ask the police if you are free to leave. If the police say no, then you should ask for an attorney and/or parent/legal guardian to be with you.

Next, listen carefully to everything the police tell you, instruct you or tell you to do. It is important to remember as much of the officer’s directions as you may be requested to repeat EXACTLY what you were told should you have a complaint against the police later.

Even if you did not do anything, the police officer may temporarily stop you to ask questions if the police believe an offense has been committed. You should ask the police if you are free to leave, but if the police say no, do not run away because they could arrest you for trying to escape. You should ask for an attorney and/or parent/legal guardian to be present if police continue to question you.

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

2. When Can Police Search You and Your Surroundings?

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  • You have the right to say no to searches of you without warrants.
  • You have the right to say no to searches of your car, house or other surroundings without warrants.
  • You cannot be arrested for refusing to consent to a search without a warrant.
  • A warrant is a court order so you have no choice but to consent.

a. What if a police officer wants to search my phone?

ANSWER: Police officers cannot search your phone or unlock it unless they have a warrant or your permission. They can take your phone into evidence, but you do not need to give them your passcode or permission to search your phone.

Article 1, Section 3 of Constitution - https://cnmilaw.org/cons.php#gsc.tab=0

b. What if a police officer asks me for my password to my phone?

ANSWER: Police officers cannot search your phone or unlock it unless they have a warrant or your permission. They can take your phone into evidence, but you do not need to give them your passcode or permission to search your phone.

Article 1, Section 3 of Constitution - https://cnmilaw.org/cons.php#gsc.tab=0

c. What if the police tell me to give them my password or other access to my phone?

ANSWER: Police officers cannot search your phone or unlock it unless they have a warrant or your permission. They can take your phone into evidence, but you do not need to give them your passcode or permission to search your phone.

Article 1, Section 3 of Constitution - https://cnmilaw.org/cons.php#gsc.tab=0

d. Do I have to give the police my device password if they demand it when I am not under arrest? What if the police just ask for the password to my phone?

ANSWER: Police officers cannot search your phone or unlock it unless they have a warrant or your permission. They can take your phone into evidence, but you do not need to give them your passcode or permission to search your phone.

Article 1, Section 3 of Constitution - https://cnmilaw.org/cons.php#gsc.tab=0

e. What tools can police use to search me? What technology (like facial recognition, hidden cameras, finger print searches, etc.)?

ANSWER: Police can only search your private property (such as the inside of your home or car) if they have a warrant or your permission. However, there is not the same right to privacy when you are in a public space or on property belonging to others (for example, video cameras in a store).

The tools police officers can use once they have a warrant or permission (or in public) are not spelled out in detail as technology continues to develop. However, a good assumption is that if you are in a public space, police can use tools and technology to see things that are in plain view.

Article 1, Section 3 of Constitution - https://cnmilaw.org/cons.php#gsc.tab=0

f. Can the police search my backpack or other items I am carrying?

ANSWER: If you are not under arrest, you can tell the police that you do not want them to search your backpack or other items you may have with you.

However, if you are under arrest or the police have a warrant to search your property, the police can search your entire backpack or other items.

Article 1, Section 3 of Constitution - https://cnmilaw.org/cons.php#gsc.tab=0

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

g. Can the police take my picture or record me?

ANSWER: If you are in a public space, police can generally use tools and technology to monitor things that are in plain view.

Article 1, Section 3 of Constitution - https://cnmilaw.org/cons.php#gsc.tab=0

h. Can the police ask me where I am going and why?

ANSWER: Yes. Police can ask you where you are going and why, but you don't have to answer. You can ask the police if you are free to leave, and if they say no, you must stay but you are allowed to stay silent. In that circumstance, you may have to provide the police your name, but no other information.

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-5/

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html#gsc.tab=0

3. Reasons Police May Arrest You

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  • The police may arrest you because they suspect you of committing (or having committed) a violation of the law, or if they suspect that you currently have evidence of a crime.
  • Sometimes police have a warrant for an arrest. You should be clear on what kind of warrant is being presented to you if that is the case.
  • It is a good idea to review any paper from the police/warrant carefully, to ensure you understand what exactly is covered.
  • If arrested, you may be charged with a felony for a more serious crime (with potential jail time of one year or more), a misdemeanor for a less serious crime (with jail time of less than one year) or a violation.
  • If the police arrest you, they also have the right to search you. Anything found during this search may be used as evidence against you.

a. What if I did not do anything illegal, must I speak with the police and answer questions?

ANSWER: No. You can always inform the police that you wish to remain silent. If you are not under arrest, you have no obligation to speak, but if you are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent.  You do not have to talk to the police or answer any questions.

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html#gsc.tab=0

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-5/

Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

b. What if the police tell me something they are investigating and that is wrong? Must I correct them?

ANSWER: No. You do not have to correct the police. It is your right to remain silent and not to say anything. For example, you may state “I want to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer.”

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html#gsc.tab=0

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-5/

Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

c. What if an officer just begins speaking to me but does not order me to do anything?

ANSWER: General conversation by police officers is normally not considered arrest or detainment. You should ask if you are free to leave. If the police say no, then you should ask for an attorney and/or parent/legal guardian to be there with you. For example, you may state “I want to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer.”

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html#gsc.tab=0

https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/stopped-by-police

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

d. What is the legal difference between talking to a police officer without being told me that I am under arrest, versus talking to them after being informed that I am under arrest?

ANSWER: There is very little difference. Anything you say before an arrest can be used against you. If you are arrested, after the police have read you your rights to remain silent, anything you continue to say can still be used against you.

It is your right to remain silent and not to say anything. For example, you may state “I want to remain silent. I want to speak with a lawyer.”

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html#gsc.tab=0

https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/stopped-by-police

Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/superior/05-06-17-CR04-0352.pdf

4. The difference between police TELLING me what to do and Asking me to do something.

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a. What is the difference between the police deciding to search me and my stuff (like my phone, person, backpack) and me agreeing to the search?

ANSWER: If you allow the police to search you or stuff, then you are consenting and the police don't need probable cause or a warrant. You should always say "I do not consent to the search."

If the police search you or your stuff (like your phone, backpack, etc.) without you agreeing to the search, and the search is later determined to be illegal, what the police found during the search cannot be used as evidence against you.

If you agree to let the police search you or your stuff (like your phone, backpack, etc.), the police will be able to use whatever they find against you.

https://cnmilaw.org/cons.php#gsc.tab=0

b. What if the police tell me to give them information versus them asking and me providing answers voluntarily?

ANSWER: If the officers tell you or ask you to give them information, you can ask if you are free to leave. If they say yes, you can leave without providing any information. If they say you are not free to leave, you only have to give your name and, if you are stopped during a traffic stop, your driver's license. If the police demand or ask for any other information, you do not have to tell them and can stay silent. Anything else you do say to a police officer can be used against you or others.

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-5/

5. Do The Police Need A Warrant To Arrest You?

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  • No. Police officers can legally arrest you without a warrant in several circumstances:
    • When the crime is committed in front of the police officers; or
    • When the officer has probable cause (reason to suspect) that someone has committed a felony, whether or not the act was done in front of the police officers.

a. Even if I did not do anything wrong, can the police stop me?

ANSWER: Yes. The police can stop you, even if you did not do anything wrong.

A police officer may stop a person on the street and temporarily detain them for examination without a warrant or without probable cause to arrest if the police officer has a reasonable suspicion that the person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. (see e.g., Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968); Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Code Section 6103). In other words, the police can stop you even if you haven't done anything wrong, as long as the police have a reason to think you have (or might).

Keep in mind, there are also offenses for which police can stop you, even if it does not appear you have done anything wrong. For example, violation of curfew is an offense for minors in the Northern Marianas Islands, which means that if you are out unaccompanied after curfew, it is presumed unlawful (see e.g., Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands Code Title 10, Sections 1503, 2703, and 3313).

b. Can I ask for the reason the police stopped me?

ANSWER: Yes. You can ask police for the reason they stopped you; however, the police are generally not required to tell you.

While the police may volunteer information on why they stopped you, they are not necessarily required to tell you those reasons.

A police officer may stop a person on the street and temporarily detain them for examination without a warrant or without probable cause to arrest if the police officer has a reasonable suspicion that the person has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime. Further, an officer may stop and frisk a person without probable cause to arrest if the police officer has a reasonable belief that the person “may be armed and presently dangerous.” (see e.g., Terry v. Ohio, 392 U.S. 1 (1968); Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Code Section 6103). In other words, the police can stop you even if you are not under arrest.

However, police are generally required to inform you when you are under arrest (Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436). Therefore, if you are being stopped by the police, and you do not know the reason, you should ask the police whether you are under arrest. If you are not, you are generally free to leave (but you should be careful not to be impolite to the police officer).

c. Can I advocate for another young person stopped by police if we are stopped together?

ANSWER: Yes. You can advocate for another young person; however, it can be risky to do so. Recording the conversation you have with the police may be the most helpful thing you can do.

When police stop you or place someone under arrest, it is the police officer’s responsibility to prove that the person committed a crime (it is not on the person to defend themselves). To prove that someone committed a crime, police need evidence. This is why it can be risky to advocate for another young person: anything that you say to the police officer can be used as evidence to prove that one or more crimes were committed. Therefore, if you or another young person are being questioned by police, you should remain silent and ask to speak to a lawyer. You are generally not required to answer any questions from the police.

By advocating on behalf of another young person, there is also a risk that police could consider some of your answers as interfering with the police officer's activities, which could be considered a crime in the Northern Marianas Islands (Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands Code Title 6, Section 3302).

You can legally record the police in the Northern Marianas Islands, under the protection of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution (Fordyce v. City of Seattle, 55 F. 3d 436, 438 (9th Cir. 1995). If you do choose to record your interaction with the police, stand a safe distance away to where you are not interfering with the officers’ movements. Do not try to hide the fact that you are recording. Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant and they may not delete your photographs or videos under any circumstances. If an officer orders you to stop recording or orders you to hand over your phone, you should politely but firmly tell the officer you do not consent to do so, and remind them that taking photographs or video is your right under the First Amendment. Be aware some officers may arrest you for refusing to comply even though their orders are illegal.

Whether or not you choose to record everything, you can always make sure to write down everything you remember of the confrontation, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, how many officers were present, their names, any use of weapons, and any injuries suffered by the person stopped. (ACLU Know Your Rights)

d. If I think the stop is unjustified, what can I do?

ANSWER: If a police officer approaches you, ask if you are free to leave.  If the officer says that you are free to leave, then try to remain calm and leave.

If you are not free to leave, you are in custody and have been detained by the officer.  Follow directions from the officer and keep your hands where the police can see them.  Do not run – even if you feel the situation is unfair, it is safer to remain calm and follow directions.  If the officer asks you basic information like your name and age, give them that information. Remember, even if you have done nothing wrong, anything you say to the police can be used against you to arrest and detain you, charge you with a crime, and bring you to court.  Be careful what you answer – you can always say that you wish to remain silent.

If you believe that you were unjustly stopped, you can file a complaint with the Saipan Police Department. In order to file a complaint, you will want to have the officer's name; the date, time, and location of the stop; and, any other information about the stop.

Remember, police misconduct should not be challenged on the street. Don't physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint during your encounter.

It's recommended that you:

  • Write down everything you remember, including officers' badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details.
  • Get contact information for witnesses. If you are injured, take photographs of your injuries (but seek medical attention first).
  • File a written complaint with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.

https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/stopped-by-police

e. Can I get the officer's identifying information for a future complaint?

ANSWER: Yes. You can ask a police officer for their identifying information; however, they are not necessarily required to provide it.

If you are looking to file a complaint against an officer, you should write down everything you remember about your interaction with the police officer, including the officer's badge and patrol car numbers, name tags, or vehicle license plate number, which agency the officer is from, etc. You can ask for this information; however, they may not provide it to do and are not generally not required to do so.

6. How Do You Know If You Are Under Arrest?

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  • You are under police custody if you do not feel free to leave an officer's presence, or if a reasonable person in your shoes would not feel free to leave.
  • If the following happens, you are likely under arrest under the law:
    • an officer handcuffs you;
    • an officer forcibly holds you down;
    • an officer forcibly puts you into the back seat of a police car; or
    • you are in long-time investigation with lodging.
  • An officer only has to warn you of your rights before the police question you. This means an officer can arrest you before warning you of your rights.
  • An arrest without a warning of your rights is still a valid arrest; it just may mean that evidence collected from it is admissible in court later.

a. What if I do not know if I am under arrest?

ANSWER: If you are not sure you can ask whether you are under arrest or free to go.  The officer must tell you if you are under arrest. If police say that you are not under arrest and are free to go, you can do so.

If the police do not let you leave and you still do not know whether you are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent. Say you want to remain silent and that you want to speak to a lawyer.

To reduce risk to yourself:

  • Stay calm. Don't run, resist, or obstruct police. Do not lie or give false documents. Keep your hands where the police can see them.
  • Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately.

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

https://www.cnmilaw.org/pdf/superior/05-06-17-CR04-0352.pdf

www.mirandarights.org

b. What is the difference between detention and arrest?

ANSWER: "Detention" means the temporary placement in physically restricting facilities of juveniles who require secure custody for their own or the community's protection, or for the juvenile's supervision and/or treatment.  You can be detained for less than 24 hours.

In order to be considered "arrested," you must be told:

  • that you have the right to remain silent;
  • the police will call your lawyer or allow you to speak to them before asking you questions; and
  • that you can use a public defender (lawyer whose services are free to you).

Title 6; Division 6; Section 6105: https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

c. If I am handcuffed, am I arrested?

ANSWER: Not necessarily. The police officer must tell you that you are arrested.

If you are not sure you can ask whether you are under arrest or free to go.  The officer must tell you if you are under arrest.  If police say that you are not under arrest and are free to go, you can do so.

If the police do not let you leave and you still do not know whether you are under arrest, you have the right to remain silent. Say you want to remain silent and that you want to speak to a lawyer.

https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

https://www.cnmilaw.org/pdf/superior/05-06-17-CR04-0352.pdf

www.mirandarights.org

d. If my liberty is restricted, am I under arrest?

ANSWER: There is a difference between being detained and being arrested.

"Detention" means the temporary placement in physically restricting facilities of juveniles who require secure custody for their own or the community's protection, or for the juvenile's supervision and/or treatment.  You can be detained for less than 24 hours.

In order to be considered "arrested," you must be told:

  • that you have the right to remain silent;
  • the police will call your lawyer or allow you to speak to them before asking you questions; and 
  • that you can use a public defender (lawyer whose services are free to you).

Title 6; Division 6; Section 6105: https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

7. What To Do After Being Warned of Your Rights

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  • You can use your right to remain silent or any of your other rights (e.g., the right to an attorney) by saying that you want to use that right. For clarity, to use right to remain silent, you don't have to tell to do.
  • You are also able to waive your rights (that is, not use them) by, for example, saying 'Yes, I understand my rights but I am ready to talk to you'. This is not a good idea without a lawyer's advice.
  • Make sure you know what you're doing in giving up your rights

a. How do things change if I am read my rights by police?

ANSWER: Although a police officer can take you into custody after receiving a written order or warrant signed by the judge, the police officer cannot interrogate you (in most cases) unless your attorney, a parent, a legal guardian, or another adult relative that you live with is also present.

Title 6; Division 5; Section 5141: https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

b. Does it matter where I am when the police read me my rights? (for example, the street, police car, police station, etc.)

ANSWER: If you are with the police and are not free to leave, you are in police custody. Once in custody, if a police officer asks you questions, then they must read you your "Miranda rights."

It does not matter where you are read your "Miranda rights," as long as you are read them once you are in police custody. However, if you are read your rights at the police station, the police officer must use a particular form, called the "Custodial Interrogation" form (also called the GPD-9) and have you read it aloud then acknowledge each right with a written "yes" or "no" before you can be questioned.

https://www.guampdn.com/opinion/chief-gpd-ensures-miranda-rights-known/article_336285d8-354f-59f9-94fa-4cc6097fc164.html

https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/fifth_amendment

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-6/

8. Police Questioning You

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  • You are not required to make a statement, answer police questions or participate in a police investigation, and you never have to go anywhere with the police unless they have arrested you.
  • If police has arrested you and if you are under the age of 20, police generally notifies your parent, caretaker or legal guardian immediately in practice.

a. Am I required to make a statement to the police?

ANSWER: No. You do not have to speak to the police.  You can tell them that you wish to remain silent and ask for your attorney.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/fifth_amendment

b. Must police notify my parent or guardian if I am taken into custody?

ANSWER: In most instances, the police officer cannot interrogate you unless your attorney, parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative you live with is also with you. 

Title 6; Division 5; Section 5141: https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

c. Must I confess?

ANSWER: No. You have the right to remain silent.

Title 6; Division 6; Section 6105: https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

d. What adults can I ask to be with me?

ANSWER: If you are in police custody, you can ask for your attorney, parent, legal guardian, or other adult relative you live with to be with you during any questioning.

Title 6; Division 5; Section 5141: https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

e. Who do police have to contact if I am a legal minor?

ANSWER: The police officer must try to notify your parent, guardian, or custodian immediately after you are arrested. They are to continue trying until either the parent, guardian, or custodian are properly notified that you are in custody.

Title 6; Division 5; Section 5141: https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

9. How do I Contact A Lawyer and When?

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  • You should always contact a lawyer before making any statements to anyone in a criminal case or investigation.
  • This applies even if you are told that (i) police officers only want to question you and/or (ii) you are only a witness.
  • While you do have to wait until you attend court to get a lawyer appointed if you cannot afford your own lawyer, you should still ask for a lawyer as soon as you are questioned or arrested by the police. If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and to not speak until your lawyer is present. In addition, you have the right to appoint a lawyer and to consult with him/her without any official being present, although a prosecutor or police officer may designate the date, place and time of the consultation when it is necessary for their investigation (Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 39(1) and 39(3).).

 a. What if I am just a witness?

ANSWER: In some instances, you still can be detained if you are just a witness.

You can refuse to testify if you are just a witness if you think what you are going to say may incriminate you. In some instances, the judge may force you to testify. But, the information you provide in the forced testimony cannot be used against you in a criminal case.

Title 6; Division 6; Sections 6501 and 6502: https://cnmilaw.org/frames/CommonwealthCode.html

b. When should I contact a lawyer?

ANSWER: If you are arrested, you should ask the police right away to call your lawyer. You should talk to a lawyer before the police ask you any more questions.

The police will call your attorney to the place of detention and allow you to confer with your lawyer before the police ask you any further questions.

https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/cmc_section/T6/6105.pdf

If you do not have money for a lawyer, you can ask the court to appoint one for you.  The court will provide you with an attorney if you are charged with juvenile delinquency by the commission of an act which, if committed by an adult, would be a misdemeanor or a felony.

https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/courtrules/R24.pdf

10. Do Police Always Have To Tell The Truth?

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  • No. Although a confession obtained through a lie by police may not be admissible as evidence at trial pursuant to certain court precedents, the police may lie to you during the course of an investigation, including lying about the strength of the case they have against you and particular evidence they have in their possession.
  • Sometimes police will lie to try and get you to talk more.

a. Can the police lie to me?

ANSWER: Yes. Police in the Northern Mariana Islands are legally allowed to lie to individuals, including those who are arrested. This practice is known as "deceptive interrogation" or "strategic deception." Law enforcement officers may use various tactics, such as making false statements or promises, in order to obtain information or a confession from a suspect. However, it is important to note that there are certain limits as the deception does not coerce or force a confession.

https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/394/731/

b. Do I have to tell the police the truth?

ANSWER: Generally, you have the right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself when interacting with the police. This means that you are not obligated to answer questions or provide information that may be self-incriminating.

https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/cmc_section/T6/6105.pdf

11. How do I make a complaint if I have questions or feel my rights have been violated?

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REMEDIES: File a complaint with the Administrative Hearing Office at the Department of Labor. You will need to provide certain documents, including a copy of your government-issued photo ID, a map and directions to your house, and a copy of your employer's business license (if applicable). You can contact the Administrative Hearing Office by phone at (670) 664-3291/3292/3293, or by email at hearing@dol.gov.mp

https://marianaslabor.net/

12. What if I feel I was a victim of discrimination or racism?

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REMEDIES: If you believe you were a victim of discrimination or harassment, you should file a complaint with the Administrative Hearing Office at the Department of Labor. You will need to provide certain documents, including a copy of your government-issued photo ID, a map and directions to your house, and a copy of your employer's business license (if applicable). You can contact the Administrative Hearing Office by phone at (670) 664-3291/3292/3293, or by email at hearing@dol.gov.mp

https://marianaslabor.net/

13. How can I respond to circumstances involving discrimination?

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REMEDIES: If you believe you were a victim of discrimination or harassment, you should file a complaint with the Administrative Hearing Office at the Department of Labor. You will need to provide certain documents, including a copy of your government-issued photo ID, a map and directions to your house, and a copy of your employer's business license (if applicable). You can contact the Administrative Hearing Office by phone at (670) 664-3291/3292/3293, or by email at hearing@dol.gov.mp

https://marianaslabor.net/

14. What can I do if the police perform an improper search? Or if I was improperly detained?

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REMEDIES: A person adversely affected by an illegal search or seizure has a cause of action against the government within limits provided by law.

If you believe you were a victim of an improper search or improper detention, you should file a complaint with the Administrative Hearing Office at the Department of Labor. You will need to provide certain documents, including a copy of your government-issued photo ID, a map and directions to your house, and a copy of your employer's business license (if applicable). You can contact the Administrative Hearing Office by phone at (670) 664-3291/3292/3293, or by email at hearing@dol.gov.mp

https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/1983/en/17316

https://marianaslabor.net/

RESOURCES

https://f.datasrvr.com/fr1/123/50053/Real_Rights_-_Northern_Mariana_Islands.zip?cbcachex=939665