Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

Valid California Identification

I was detained because I did not have any identification on my person what-so-ever. Is there a law/code/precedent either stating I must carry identification at all times or I may/will be detained? If so what is it and where can I research this. I would like to know if my rights were violated. I was out jogging in the evening after dark.


Asked on 3/24/03, 3:29 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Armen Tashjian Law Offices of Armen M. Tashjian

Re: Valid California Identification

I am not aware of any law that requires a person to carry ID on him/her at all times. However, the police may detain an individual to ascertain his/her identity if there is a reasonable suspicion that the person committed a crime or in the furtherance of a criminal investigation.

You might have a claim, but there are lot of missing pieces to this puzzle. For example:

Who detained you? How long were you detained? Were you taken somewhere? How were you treated? What types of questions were you asked? Was there a criminal investigation going on that location or in that vicinity?

These are some of the questions that need to be answered?

Call or write me for a free consultation (323)782-0099.

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Answered on 3/24/03, 9:09 pm


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