Excerpt from Attorney Ralph Behr’s Book. Street Smarts- Criminal Law 1.01 – UNDER 21 CROWD – DO I HAVE TO CARRY ID ON ME AT ALL TIMES?

UNDER 21CROWD

100 ‘most asked ‘  questions

DO I HAVE TO CARRY ID ON ME AT ALL TIMES?

No.

Should you?  Yes.

Some states require that you identify yourself to law enforcement upon demand. It is important that you be able to identify yourself sometimes to protect yourself from arrest.

If police officer has a BOLO (be-on-look-out- for…) for a person of your general physical type and description, he can lawfully detain you and possibly arrest you if you cannot provide adequate identification.

Do not confuse your personal dignity and privacy rights with practical realities of the world.

Carrying identification with you at all times can be both a sword and a shield to protect you. Do not leave home without it.