It is perfectly within the scope of Arizona law for a police officer in Phoenix AZ to randomly stop and question you on the street, even if you don’t think you have done anything wrong. A police officer is also allowed to come up to you and ask you questions and/or ask for your permission to search through anything in your possession, such as a backpack or bag, etc. Even if the officer has no reason to suspect that you have committed an illegal act, they can still stop you and ask you a question at any time while you are walking down the street.
However, it is illegal for a police officer to stop you and imply that Arizona law requires you to answer the officer’s questions or consent to a search. For example, should a police officer make it seem as though you must respond to a question or allow them to look through your possessions while you are simply walking down the street and minding your own business, you have the right to politely continue on your way without responding to any of the officer’s inquiries. Generally speaking, Arizona law protects you from having to answer a question or consent to a search from a police officer if you have done nothing wrong.
If you have been stopped, questioned and then arrested by a police officer in Phoenix AZ, you should consider talking to a Phoenix AZ criminal defense attorney, especially if you have also been charged with a crime. You can benefit from a consultation with an attorney who understands Arizona criminal defense law because they can point out any instances where your rights might have been violated. For more information, or to schedule a free criminal consultation with Jeremy Geigle, JacksonWhite’s Phoenix AZ criminal defense attorney, call 480-818-9943.