They don't usually tell you you're being detained if you ask. They just keep asking questions.

Retired cop here. This is an important principle for people to remember. If a cop suspects you of something, human nature dictates that he will be listening to you with a head full of confirmation bias. If he's just on a fishing expedition, casual conversation can give him something that meets the standard for some sort of violation.

Now that we've decided that governors can obviate the Constitution with executive orders, it can be even harder to know where the lines are drawn. Unless you're certain you're saying something exculpatory, it's best to just decline unnecessary conversation.

Oh, and don't lie. Refusing to discuss something is never criminal (unless they've changed that when I wasn't looking), but lying about some things might be.

Best tip I learned from lawyer: shut the fuck up!

Ex: a murder was committed on south side of town. You dont know. Cop asks where you're going. You say leaving a friends house on some street (on south side). He asks you to get out of car. Handcuffs are placed on you. Reason: you just came from same area crime happened and your vehicle loosely matches eye witness description. They can legally hold u 72 hours as part of investigation. Sure, they find out youre the wrong guy, but now you've missed 3 days work, were unable to call in, got fired, dog was home alone 3 days, maybe family spent money on lawyer, you need to pay the impound fee, etc.

Life just fucked up by accident. Should've kept your mouth shut. At minimum, dont give specifics.

good advice just doesn't get upvoted enough on this board - sad

take my upvote!

Not my job to supply corrupt District Attorneys with evidence to shore up their case

"I don't answer questions."

What backs up your claims of rights, and how is it enforced?