44magpastor
Senior Member
I'm familiar with their powers and authority to search. My question is about how the 5th Amendment applies to these interactions. And how much "help" are you required to give, when dealing with a CO?
Do you have the right to remain silent? And does remaining silent give the officer probable cause, to investigate you further.
You are deer hunting. A CO approaches and performes a license check. No problem. You have all of my licenses and all is fine. Then he/she starts asking questions.
Do you have the right to refuse to answer?
Is failing to answer questions "Obstruction of Justice"? Personally I don't see how, unless there is evidence that a violation occurred. Being quiet doesn't necessarily mean a crime has been committed.
I get the "It's best to cooperate" and "if you aren't guilty, just answer" concept. That's not the point. I want to know if our rights apply, when it comes to game wardens.
When you are pulled over for speeding, you don't have to answer officer's questions. Does that apply to game wardens?
Do you have the right to remain silent? And does remaining silent give the officer probable cause, to investigate you further.
You are deer hunting. A CO approaches and performes a license check. No problem. You have all of my licenses and all is fine. Then he/she starts asking questions.
Do you have the right to refuse to answer?
Is failing to answer questions "Obstruction of Justice"? Personally I don't see how, unless there is evidence that a violation occurred. Being quiet doesn't necessarily mean a crime has been committed.
I get the "It's best to cooperate" and "if you aren't guilty, just answer" concept. That's not the point. I want to know if our rights apply, when it comes to game wardens.
When you are pulled over for speeding, you don't have to answer officer's questions. Does that apply to game wardens?