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JUST SAY NO!! When the FBI knocks, calls or stops you on the street.
You are under NO LEGAL OBLIGATION to answer their questions without an attorney. |
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►►IF THE FBI KNOCKS: |
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Demand to see their IDENTIFICATION – all of the agents, if there is more than
one. Ask for their BUSINESS CARDS/CONTACT INFORMATION.
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Give them your LAWYER’S CARD, if available, and ask that they contact
her/him. Tell the agents YOUR LAWYER WILL CONTACT THEM.
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Wish them GOOD DAY and end the conversation.
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FBI agents are trained to be very persuasive and may make vague threats or try to make you feel GUILTY if you do not answer their questions.
They do not tell you that you have a LEGAL RIGHT TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY PRESENT.
A LAWYER WILL PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. |
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DO NOT LET AGENTS INTO YOUR HOME. The slightest details of your lifestyle or furnishings can or will be used against you or others.
- Any conversation with an FBI agent, no matter how innocent, will reveal details that can or will be used against you or others. HAVE A LAWYER PRESENT AT ALL TIMES if you must answer their questions.
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THE FBI IS ALLOWED TO LIE TO YOU – IF YOU LIE TO THE FBI IT IS A FELONY. The FBI is trained to get you to make contradictory statements that can and will be used against you and others later. IT’S BEST TO SAY NOTHING. |
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►►IF THE FBI SEARCH YOUR HOME WITHOUT A WARRANT: |
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CALL YOUR LAWYER IMMEDIATELY (if you do not have one contact the National Lawyers
Guild)
- State firmly and loudly and repeatedly, “I DO NOT CONSENT TO THIS SEARCH”. This can be helpful in court
later.
- OBSERVE EVERYTHING – evidence has been planted in searches! Write down what is taken and document who took it and what it is. Have a roommate or friend witness the search if
possible.
- DON’T INTERFERE with the search – it might get you arrested.
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►►IF THE FBI HAVE A WARRANT: |
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ASK TO SEE THE WARRANT – it must specify in detail what exactly is to be searched or
seized.
- CALL YOUR LAWYER immediately, or the NLG.
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State firmly “I DO NOT CONSENT TO THIS SEARCH”. The search must be limited to what is detailed in the
warrant.
- Observe points 11 and 12 above – OBSERVE and DOCUMENT if
possible!!
- Do not consent to any item being seized that is NOT ON THE WARRANT.
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DON’T ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. WAIT FOR YOUR ATTORNEY TO BE PRESENT.
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THE RIGHT TO POLITICAL DISSENT AND FREE SPEECH form the backbone of the foundation of the United States of America. However Irish Republican activists are increasingly likely to be visited by FBI agents “fishing” for your reaction and your statements without an attorney present. |
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!!
JUST SAY “NO” WHEN THE FBI KNOCKS. |
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© The Irish Freedom Committee 2006. Copy and distribute freely.
References:
National Lawyers Guild – “Know Your Rights! What To Do if Questioned…” (2004)
National Coalition to Protect Political Freedom – “Know Your Rights – Don’t Talk to the FBI” (1999)
Center for Constitutional Rights – “If an Agent Knocks – Federal Investigators and Your Rights” (1985) |
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