U.S. Laws: Your Rights & Responsibilities
What are my civil rights in the United States?
Your civil rights are exactly the same as all citizens in the United States. The only instance these rights can be taken from a person is if allowing those rights places others in imminent danger (i.e. terrorist attacks, a live shooter in the building). As such, there are two things that you should be familiar with: The Bill of Rights and the Miranda Warnings.
The Bill of Rights are the first ten amendments of the United States Constitution. Among other things, the Bill of Rights guarantees you freedom of speech, protection against police searching your dorm or car without a warrant and the right to see the person accusing you of crime.
The Miranda Warnings inform persons being placed under arrest of what their rights are. Your rights in this situation include the right to remain silent (you do not have to talk to the police), the right to ask for a lawyer at any time including the initial questioning and the right to have a lawyer provided to you if you cannot afford one.
If you are taken into police custody (taken to the police station to answer questions or because of arrest):
- It is your choice of whether to talk to the police or not (You have the right to remain silent). Simply say “I do not want to talk to you at this time.” If the officer continues to ask questions, repeat yourself.
- If you are only there for questioning, you may leave at any time. If you are under arrest, you may not leave.
- If you are arrested, you may ask for a lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the court will provide you with one. You just need to say “I would like a lawyer now.”
- If you are arrested, ask to make a phone call (generally you will be allowed to).
- If you are arrested and English is not your first language, ask for a translator. Even if you speak English very well, there may be legal terms you are unfamiliar with. The courts can provide you with a professional translator that does know that vocabulary.
Smoking and Alcohol Laws
In Connecticut, you may not smoke cigarettes, vape, or use tobacco products until you are 21 years old. The legal smoking age was raised 2019 from 18 years old. Each state determines its own legal age to use tobacco products, so make sure you are familiar with the local legal age if you plan to use them. Also, be aware that you may not smoke indoors in public establishments. Be prepared to show a photo ID when purchasing tobacco products.
The minimum legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. You will be asked to provide identification to purchase alcohol in stores as well as before being served alcohol at restaurants. You will also often be asked to show your ID before being admitted into many bars and clubs. Make sure you always carry a legal photo ID if you are of legal age.
Marijuana
Marijuana is not legal in Connecticut, although it is in certain places in the U.S. Possession of more than ½ an ounce is a class A misdemeanor, resulting in fines of up to $2000. After the third offense, the charge is upgraded to a “persistent offender” and may result in up to three years in prison.
Traffic and Parking Violations
When operating a motor vehicle in the U.S., you are responsible for knowing and obeying traffic and parking rules and laws.
Common traffic and parking violations
Speeding
Most streets have a posted speed limit. Going over that limit can result in a ticket with a fine. If you are going more than 20 miles over the speed limit, it is considered “reckless driving” and could result in being sent to jail. If no sign is posted, the speed limit is 25 miles per hour (MPH) on city streets and 55 MPH on the freeways.
Driving too fast for the conditions
Snow, ice, rain or excessive traffic can lower the reasonable speed for driving. Anyone driving too fast for the conditions will be given a ticket.
Using a hand-held device
It is illegal to use hand-held cell phones or mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle, including while you are stopped in traffic or by a stop light. This includes talking or texting. Drivers 18 years of age and older are required to use hands-free accessories to legally use cell phones or other mobile electronic devices while behind the wheel.
Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol
This is a serious offense that can result in jail time, the court taking your license and paying very expensive fines. If an officer suspects someone of DUI, they will pull the car over and conduct a sobriety test using motor skill exams or a breath test. If the breath test measures over .08% alcohol, the person will be taken to the police station.
Illegal Parking
The simple rule is to look for the signs. Most illegal parking occurs when someone has ignored a posted no parking sign. To avoid tickets, do not park in a spot marked for the disabled, private parking or on streets with time restrictions. Also, put money in the meter before it has expired.