First Impressions Can Make or Break You
The sound of piercing sirens with bright blue and red lights behind you
is enough to provoke a mini heart attack. Getting pulled over for a traffic
violation, no matter how serious, is a rattling experience, especially
if it’s your first time.
What most people don’t know is that they have much more control over
the fate of their traffic stop than they think. However, this doesn’t
mean you’re off the hook if you’re caught driving under the
influence or running a red light. Smooth-talking your way out of an arrest
doesn’t usually work when pulled over on suspicion of DWI or any
other type of serious traffic violation, either.
The question at hand is: What should you do if you are pulled over?
Proper Police Etiquette Is Critical
As soon as you recognize that an officer is trying to pull you over, it’s
in your best interests to do so. Slowly and safely pull over to the side
of the road or a nearby parking lot. After you do that, comply with the
following tips:
-
Stop the car: Turn off your ignition, put your keys on the dash, and place your hands
on the steering wheel. Make sure your window is fully rolled down.
-
Avoid any sudden movements: Even if you are only grabbing your driver’s license, registration
or proof of insurance to prepare for when the officer needs it, they may
interpret your movements as threatening and suspicious. Only do what they
tell you to do.
-
Be polite and respectful: This is one of the most important things you should do when engaging with
an officer. They must be treated with respect, or you may risk getting
into worse trouble.
-
Give honest, short answers. If you end up speaking more, be careful, as anything you say can and will
be used against you. You also have the right to remain silent.
-
Cooperate: The officer may ask you questions regarding your alleged offense: “Do
you know how fast you were going?” “Did you drink alcohol
before getting in your vehicle?” “Where are you coming from?”
You should answer these questions to the best of your knowledge, or not
answer them at all if you’re worried about getting yourself into
a deeper hole.
- They may also ask manipulative questions: “Do you know why I stopped
you?” “May I search your vehicle?” These questions may
appear harmless, but they could lead to self-incrimination.
You may answer the first question with something related to your license
suspension, or a broken taillight, or even more serious such as speeding
in a school zone. Regarding the second question, your Fourth Amendment
rights protect you from warrantless searches and seizures (unless there’s
probable cause); so, if an officer asks to search your car, you can take
the risk of allowing it or exercise your right to (politely) decline.
Saying “no” doesn’t mean you’re guilty, it just
means you’re protecting yourself from unintended consequences.
If you don’t abide by any of these above tips, you could risk being
charged for
obstructing government operations or
evading arrest. Don’t let this happen to you.
If you find yourself dealing with a DWI or traffic violation charge,
contact us at {F:P:Sub:Phone} for a free consultation to discuss your situation. Our
65+ years of combined legal experience and
former prosecutorial experience has earned us a proven track record of results. You could be next!