In the article is says if he would have provided ID they would have ran it and let him go. I understand he didn't legally have to and it would make me sick if this were true, but in most cases is this the best option?
I don't want to perpetuate a police state and hand over my papers everytime I'm asked. However, I also don't want to be arrested and be up to my neck in expensive law battles that I simply can't afford. I want to stand up for my rights, but if I end up flat broke was it really worth it? Opinions on ONLY showing a LTCH?
I hate it that we have to worry about this crap. This is America!
So here is my take. While i total agree it is within the rights of the individual to keep his mouth shut and not provide anything to the LEO, I dont agree it is the SMART thing to do.
IF he is a law abiding citizen that like the rest of us is paying out taxes, living within our means, and has the greater good of the GREAT country we live in in mind, Then a simple, quick, and painless response to the officer like...
"Mr officer while it is within my rights to refuse to give any of this information to you per Ohio Code ... here is my DL and my CCW. MR Officer, what you are doing here is not only illegal but also one more reason why Law abiding citizens like myself that legally carry firearms get such a negative opinion of LEO's that should know such laws and rights."
I am sure this would of turned out very different.
Now unfortunately this is not the way that it happened so now we have a individual who is going to sue the local police department for 3million dollars. Great, now i agree they will settle out of court, so for the sack of argument lets say 2 mil. Of that 2 mil the attorney will take somewhere around 1-1.2 mil leaving the individual with 800K. so after taxes this guy is going to see around 500K. Now not that is anything to sneeze at. But who do you think is going to pay the 2 mil? the police officers?? No ... It is coming out of your pocket in the form of taxes. Even if a insurance company pays it, then the premiums go up and eventually it makes it back to you and me.
Now i am probably going to get blow up for this opinion but do you really think Suing is going to make any difference? But if we must, I would be so much more impressed if the individual and attorney decided to give any proceeds from a win to a local gun awareness program to help educate individuals and officers, otherwise it is just another case that is tying up our legal system that keeps legitimate case from getting handled as they should. I mean really "emotion distress" for a 1 hour situation that in all reality the individual had control to make it go either way.
Just my
now fire away!!