A misconception floating around right now is that Americans do not need to identify themselves to police officers unless they are being actively arrested. However, this is not entirely true. While there are some specific instances where you do not have to identify yourself to law enforcement, failure to identify is a criminal charge that can lead to jail time and potentially high fines, depending on the circumstances. Under Texas Law, failure to identify occurs when an individual refuses to provide their name, address, or date of birth to a police officer when lawfully arrested or when they provide false information if lawfully arrested, detained, or are a witness to a criminal offense. This law discourages people from hiding their identity when dealing with the police. However, the law does not state that you must present your driver’s license to law enforcement or answer any questions they may ask. You do not need to identify yourself during every interaction with the police. You are not required to identify yourself if you are casually stopped by a police officer who is not detaining or arresting you, being questioned without being detained or arrested, or a passenger in a stopped vehicle, unless the officer reasonably suspects you of a crime. That said, if you are driving and pulled over for any reason, you are legally required to present your driver’s license upon request. Failure to identify is a misdemeanor charge that comes with different levels of punishment depending on the circumstances. Those who refuse to identify themselves when lawfully arrested will face a Class C misdemeanor that can result in a fine up to $500. If you provide false information when lawfully arrested, detained, or questioned as a witness to a crime, you’ll be charged with a Class B misdemeanor and could face up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $2,000. If police stop you, remember that you have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to refuse consent to search. If law enforcement decides to arrest you for any reason, state that you wish to remain silent and request a criminal defense attorney. You Could Be Breaking the Law Refuse to ID in Texas?
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Chocolate-Covered Banana Brownies
Inspired by OMGChocolateDesserts.com
Ingredients Banana Brownies • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted • 1/3 cup light brown sugar • 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup mashed banana • 1 cup flour Chocolate Topping • 12 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped • 1 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter • 3–4 large bananas
• 1/4 tsp salt • 1 large egg • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease an 8x8-inch pan with cooking spray. 2. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, sugar, and salt. Add egg and vanilla and whisk. Add mashed banana and whisk, then whisk in flour. 3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until the center has set. 4. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. 5. Bring heavy cream to a boil, pour over chocolate, let it sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in peanut butter until smooth. 6. Slice bananas and arrange over cooled brownies. 7. Pour chocolate mixture over bananas and place in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving.
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