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What You Should Do When Stopped By The Police |
If you are like most people, whenever you see those red and blue lights, accompanied by the noise of sirens blasting, your heart beat speeds up and you feel like you are about to experience a nervous breakdown.
It happens tens of thousands of times everyday across America and Canada, and no matter what the circumstance, that driver is sure to
experience a change in their mental - and often times, physical – state.
It happens tens of thousands of times everyday across America and Canada, and no matter what the circumstance, that driver is sure to
experience a change in their mental - and often times, physical – state.
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All
kidding aside, in today’s litigious society, there are certain “do’s
and don’ts” that every driver should exercise whenever a police officer
pulls you over. How you choose to use, or not use, these suggestions,
could very well determine the outcome of your unfortunate incident.
If You Are Stopped By The Police While In Your Car... |
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1.) As soon as you notice the police emergency lights pull your vehicle over to the right as soon as it is safe to do so.
a.) Although you might not know the reason, you should pull over right away.
b.) You may have committed some minor traffic violation without realizing it.
c.) There may be some problem with your vehicle of which you are unaware.
a.) Although you might not know the reason, you should pull over right away.
b.) You may have committed some minor traffic violation without realizing it.
c.) There may be some problem with your vehicle of which you are unaware.
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2.) Remain in your vehicle while the officer approaches.
a.) Do not attempt to get out of your vehicle or approach the officer. b.) Exiting your vehicle does not assist the officer and may be perceived as a threat. c.) For the officer’s safety and yours, remain in your vehicle. 3.) Turn on your interior light if stopped at night. a.) A lit vehicle cabin will reduce the officer’s concern regarding weapons or other possible threats within your reach. 4.) Keep your hands easily observable, preferably on the steering wheel where they can be easily seen by the approaching officer. |
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5.) Give your license, registration and proof-of-insurance to the officer if asked to do so.
a.) The law in some states requires a driver to turn over this information upon request by a uniformed officer or an officer in plain clothes
who displays proper identification.
b.) Most officers will not provide a specific reason(s) for the stop until they have received your license, registration and proof-of-insurance.
This is to avoid debating the reason for the stop prior to acquiring this necessary information.
6.) If you wish to inquire as to why you were stopped or offer an explanation, do so before the officer returns to his or her vehicle.
a.) Answer all questions honestly. Information pertaining to prior arrests or traffic violations is easily verified via the police dispatcher.
b.) Touching or threatening a police officer or acting in a disorderly manner could result in the filing of additional charges against you and
you will be arrested.
c.) If the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, do so without any sudden or threatening movements.
d.) Give the officer approximately 6 feet of “personal” space as a safety zone to do his or her job.
e.) Remain in your vehicle at all times unless told to do otherwise.
f.) Do not become argumentative, disorderly, or abusive. If an officer has already written a ticket, it cannot be voided at that time. If you
believe that you have been unfairly treated, DO NOT make that argument on the side of the road. Your best alternative is to carry your
protest to traffic court
a.) The law in some states requires a driver to turn over this information upon request by a uniformed officer or an officer in plain clothes
who displays proper identification.
b.) Most officers will not provide a specific reason(s) for the stop until they have received your license, registration and proof-of-insurance.
This is to avoid debating the reason for the stop prior to acquiring this necessary information.
6.) If you wish to inquire as to why you were stopped or offer an explanation, do so before the officer returns to his or her vehicle.
a.) Answer all questions honestly. Information pertaining to prior arrests or traffic violations is easily verified via the police dispatcher.
b.) Touching or threatening a police officer or acting in a disorderly manner could result in the filing of additional charges against you and
you will be arrested.
c.) If the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, do so without any sudden or threatening movements.
d.) Give the officer approximately 6 feet of “personal” space as a safety zone to do his or her job.
e.) Remain in your vehicle at all times unless told to do otherwise.
f.) Do not become argumentative, disorderly, or abusive. If an officer has already written a ticket, it cannot be voided at that time. If you
believe that you have been unfairly treated, DO NOT make that argument on the side of the road. Your best alternative is to carry your
protest to traffic court
7.) If the officer asks you to search you vehicle, you should politely ask for what reason so you can
ascertain why, and then say no. This is very important, as most states/provinces require the
police to have probable cause (like the smell of liquor, or see illegal drugs, etc.), or a search
warrant, or the driver’s permission, to search a vehicle.
8.) If the officer asks you questions that you feel could potentially lead to them detaining or
arresting you, it is always better to refuse to answer them until you have your attorney present.
Especially, if you think your answers could be incriminating. Note: Most states/provinces
require you to cooperate when asked to take a breathalyzer or participate in a field sobriety test, or face immediate arrest. And it can be
used against you in court.
ascertain why, and then say no. This is very important, as most states/provinces require the
police to have probable cause (like the smell of liquor, or see illegal drugs, etc.), or a search
warrant, or the driver’s permission, to search a vehicle.
8.) If the officer asks you questions that you feel could potentially lead to them detaining or
arresting you, it is always better to refuse to answer them until you have your attorney present.
Especially, if you think your answers could be incriminating. Note: Most states/provinces
require you to cooperate when asked to take a breathalyzer or participate in a field sobriety test, or face immediate arrest. And it can be
used against you in court.
9.) If you feel like the officer(s), or the situation, pose a real threat, politely ask the officer to have their superior/commander come
immediately.” It is better to have a superior on the scene to increase your chances of a positive outcome.
10.) If you feel like there is a potential that you could be going to jail, politely say these words to the officer/commander:
“Officer, if it is your intent to further detain or arrest me, please allow me to call my attorney/law firm immediately.”
These words are powerful in that it makes the officer(s) aware that you know you have rights and have the resources to make sure they
are enforced. If you have to use this phrase, of course you should call your attorney right away. There are affordable legal plans that
make an attorney/law firm available 24 hours a day for emergencies such as this. But you must already have the plan. For more info on
a legal plan that includes this coverage, go to www.livinginalegalworld.com/family.html .
Remember, most traffic stops are not out of the ordinary and the majority of police officers are honest people, who are sworn to protect and serve. Unfortunately, it only takes a one, or a few bad officers, to change you legal imposition. Therefore, having the knowledge to exercise your legal rights and the ability to immediately contact an attorney, makes good sense.
Gerard Cassagnol is a professional writer and a marketer of legal plans and identity theft plans for individuals, families, and small businesses. He has subscribed to a legal and identity theft plan for more than 15 years and has been an advocate of affordable legal and identity protection in the USA and Canada.
immediately.” It is better to have a superior on the scene to increase your chances of a positive outcome.
10.) If you feel like there is a potential that you could be going to jail, politely say these words to the officer/commander:
“Officer, if it is your intent to further detain or arrest me, please allow me to call my attorney/law firm immediately.”
These words are powerful in that it makes the officer(s) aware that you know you have rights and have the resources to make sure they
are enforced. If you have to use this phrase, of course you should call your attorney right away. There are affordable legal plans that
make an attorney/law firm available 24 hours a day for emergencies such as this. But you must already have the plan. For more info on
a legal plan that includes this coverage, go to www.livinginalegalworld.com/family.html .
Remember, most traffic stops are not out of the ordinary and the majority of police officers are honest people, who are sworn to protect and serve. Unfortunately, it only takes a one, or a few bad officers, to change you legal imposition. Therefore, having the knowledge to exercise your legal rights and the ability to immediately contact an attorney, makes good sense.
Gerard Cassagnol is a professional writer and a marketer of legal plans and identity theft plans for individuals, families, and small businesses. He has subscribed to a legal and identity theft plan for more than 15 years and has been an advocate of affordable legal and identity protection in the USA and Canada.
