Muslim Lawyers Issue Urgent Community Advisory
September 2009 > **PLEASE ADVISE YOUR MOSQUES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS**
American Muslims are committed to preserving the safety and security of our country and support the full and fair investigation and prosecution of those who would seek to bring us harm. However, Muslim Advocates, the National Association of Muslim Lawyers (NAML) and local Muslim bar associations across the country strongly urge individuals not to speak with law enforcement officials without the presence or advice of an attorney. Despite the characterization that contact with law enforcement is voluntary and discretionary, information provided — or omitted — during any such interview can become the basis for further investigation or prosecution and have immigration implications.
We highly recommend that attorneys and community leaders share a short, 15-min. “know your rights” video, produced by lawyers with Muslim Advocates, with their mosques, family and friends. The video provides crucial information about how to handle contact from law enforcement officials. The video is available in five languages – Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Somali and English. Click here to view the video online.
Key tips to keep in mind:
* There is no legal obligation to speak to law enforcement officials. You are only required to provide identification to law enforcement officials if asked and immigrants are required to carry proof of immigration status at all times. Declining to speak cannot be presumed as guilt.
* Any statements made during an interview can be used against you at a later time. Lying to a federal officer, even by omission, is a crime.
* If approached by the FBI or law enforcement, ask for their business cards and say that your lawyer will contact them.
For more information, or for assistance locating an attorney in your area, please visit www.muslimadvocates.org
or contact Nura Maznavi. (nura@muslimadvocates.org) 415-692-1484.
Muslim Advocates
National Association of Muslim Lawyers
Capital Area Muslim Bar Association
Florida Muslim Bar Association
Georgia Association of Muslim Lawyers
Michigan Muslim Bar Association
Muslim Bar Association of Illinois
Muslim Bar Association of New York
Muslim Bar Association of Southern California
Muslim Lawyers of Houston
New England Muslim Bar Association
New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association
