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DEA fishing expedition -- Be sure to know your rights

Americans for Safe Access

Berkeley, CA Dec 11, 2004 -- Ever since federal interference in the operation of Roseville's dispensary, the government has been trying to establish a case against its operator.

ASA has been alerted to this fact by people calling our office with accounts of probing questions by federal agents. The DEA may have contact info on people from lists confiscated at the scene of the raid. The DEA has been making phone calls and personal visits to ask questions about the dispensary and peoples' relationship to it, likely in the hopes of indicting the dispensary operator. In at least one of these incidents, agents threatened a federal grand jury indictment against the person being questioned.

So, this is both an update on the conduct of the feds and a "Know Your Rights" reminder.

ASA feels this is a good time to brush up on your rights as a patient and caregiver around being questioned and divulging information.

1. You never have to let law enforcement into your home or place of cultivation without a search warrant.

2. A good rule of thumb is to say, "I do not consent to a search," and then do not allow the agents onto your property.

3. You never have to answer any questions they ask you. If you are being detained, you might want to give identifying information to speed your release. If you want to answer any other questions, you should wait until you have an attorney present.

Remember, law enforcement officers are trained to trick you into giving them information. It's always better to say nothing than to say something you think may be harmless only to find it used against you or someone else later.

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact our office at the number below.

Thanks,

Kris

Kris Hermes
Legal Support Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
www.SafeAccessNow.org
1700 Shattuck Ave. #317
Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: 510-486-8083 x307
Fax: 510-486-8090
Email: kris@safeaccessnow.org