What would happen if someone got arrested for something and they didn't have ID on them and refused to tell ?

Question

What would happen if someone got arrested for something, say possession of marijuana and they didn't have ID on them and refused to tell the cops who they are?? and they have never been arrested before so none of their information was on the computers---like fingerprints, alias, height.. etc.

Answer 1

I think the cops could hold onto them until they revealed their identity.

I live in the UK and if we tried pulling that, then we would be arrested, charged and brought up in front of a magistrate. If we still refused to give our names then we would be held in contempt of court (probably overnight) and the process repeated until we cooperated.

If you do something like this there is no way you can get away with it as I bet someone has tried it before. Its the same with giving someone elses name.

Basically if you are charged they cannot release you until they know who you are and where to find you. If you don't give them that information then they can't let you go or grant bail.

All this would do is p**s of the cop who is dealing with you which is never a good idea.

Answer 2

First time for everything.

They can be charged for obstruction of justice along with the charges associated with the original arrest.

Answer 3

Far as I know, the only thing you need to tell a police officer is "I want a legal counsel".  Then shut the heck up!

Answer 4

You will be arrested & booked under "John Doe #_____" and sit in cell until either you tell them who you are, they figure it out themselves, or someone reports you missing and the info matches. They might even tack on a charge of "Obstruction of Justice" for refusing to provide the info.

- David

Answer 5

They would be held at the precinct until someone can positively identify who they are.  Bad idea....

Answer 6

I think the Supreme Court just handed down an opinion about this.  Apparently you HAVE to tell the cops who you are even if you're not charged with anything.  

n**i/Bush/HomeLand Security wins again.

Vote Obama!