Know the Law
Overview
The information provided on this site was originally written to inform the immigrant population in our community about safe driving and to be aware of how to keep themselves, their families, and friends safe. It is useful information for the community as a whole. Here you will find information about the law and your rights and what to do if you are stopped by a law enforcement officer while driving, involved in an accident, ICE, reporting bullying or assault, and other issues that may affect you. You may access this information in Spanish or English.
Be Safe
The information below was originally written to inform the immigrant population in our community about safe driving and to be aware of how to keep themselves, their families, and friends safe. It is useful information for the community as a whole. This information, provided by the Boone Police Department, is not intended to be legal advice, but to help those who are not familiar with the criminal justice system in the United States. We can provide some common sense responses for you when, or if, you encounter a law enforcement officer.
This information is not intended to represent all law enforcement but is specific to the Boone Police Department. The questions and answers will help you to understand the laws involved when driving a car or doing other everyday activities. We want you to be safe. If you know the laws and your rights, you will be safer. Important: Some people have been told not to make eye contact with the police. In the U.S., this is often a sign of distrust, of having something to hide, so learn to make eye contact with the officer.
From our perspective, there is a lot of hype and fear that is being projected by some in the media for political purposes. The reality is, how many people do you know that have actually been deported? How many of your friends and family have had ICE show up at their home or work? We simply do not see these things happening on a wide scale. Live your life and do not worry about something that may never happen and something that you can’t control. We are here to help you as a member of this community and hope that, in turn, you will help us keep you, your family, and your friends safe and secure. Please refer your family and friends to this site.
This webpage was developed by the Boone Police Department with help from the Watauga Branch of NAACP, Boone, NC. Translation was provided by AM Castanheira.
- How can you reduce the chance of being stopped by law enforcement officers?
- How do you know if you’re being stopped by law enforcement? What are you supposed to do?
- What does the officer do before getting out of the patrol car? What should you do?
- What will the officer ask you to do?
- What happens if you don’t have a valid driver’s license?
- What do you do if you’re given a warning?
- What do you do if you’re given a ticket?
- What can you do if you don’t understand the officer?
- Will the officer report you to ICE?
- What should you do if you are in an automobile accident, no injury?
- What should you do if you’re in an automobile accident, with injuries?
- What information are you required to give to the police, to the other driver?
- If you are hurt, will someone contact your family or friends? Will someone help you if you don’t understand?
- Why are there patrol cars parked in some neighborhoods?
- What branches of local law enforcement are involved in check points?
- How can you be informed about police activity in your neighborhoods and not be afraid?