No one wants to see red and blue lights flashing behind them while driving. Getting pulled over by the police can be stressful. Even if you feel you have done nothing wrong, the event can lead to anxiety that you could get a ticket or get arrested.
To help you feel more empowered and less stressed if a police officer stops you on the road, here are a few steps to follow if you get pulled over.
What To Do If Pulled Over
If you are driving and notice flashing lights behind you, stay calm. Follow these directions to cooperate with police officers while protecting your rights.
1. Find a safe place to pull over. As soon as possible, turn on your signal and pull to the right side of the road. Try to find somewhere with enough space for your car and for the officer to approach.
2. Turn off your engine, and roll down your window. Make a safe space for the officer to approach your vehicle.
3. Stay in your car. Don’t attempt to exit your vehicle as it will make you appear suspicious or dangerous.
4. Avoid sudden movements. Don’t reach for things in the vehicle. Wait for the officer to ask for documentation before moving around the vehicle.
5. Be respectful, but know your rights. Other than identifying yourself, you are not obligated to answer any other questions. You can simply tell the officer that you would rather not answer.
6. Deal with disputes later. If you feel you are unfairly treated or ticketed, deal with it later. The time to argue is not while you are on the side of the road. Plan to fight it in court. Get the officer’s name and badge number, and immediately after the encounter, contact an attorney.
In most situations, an encounter with a police officer will not lead to substantial consequences. Even if you receive a ticket, you can fight the fine in court if you feel you were unfairly targeted or charged. The best thing to do if pulled over by the police is to cooperate and attempt to end the encounter as soon as possible.
What To Do If Pulled Over and Accused of a Crime
In some situations, getting pulled over can lead to more serious consequences. If the police officer thinks you have committed a crime, such as driving without a license, driving under the influence, or transporting illegal drugs, they may arrest you.
If you are pulled over and accused of a crime, follow these steps to protect your rights and make a better case for yourself.
1. Do not answer police questions. If you are accused of a crime, the officer will immediately begin collecting evidence. They will ask you questions that can be used in their case. Any and all statements you make can be used against you, so don’t answer police questions. You have a right to remain silent.
2. Avoid incrimination. The officer also may want to gather evidence in addition to your statements. You have a right to refuse.
If you are suspected of drug possession, you may refuse to have your car searched. If you refuse to allow officers to search your car, they may still arrest you and search it if they have enough evidence. They could also obtain a search warrant or call in drug-sniffing dogs. But you have an initial right of refusal.
If you are pulled over for a DUI, you may refuse a sobriety check. If you refuse a sobriety check, you may still be arrested for a DUI. You could lose your license for up to a year, but it will limit the amount of evidence against you in the DUI case. If you think you will pass the test then proceed. If you think there is a possibility you will fail, it is better to refuse the test. Keep in mind that field sobriety tests set you up for failure, and many sober people fail the test.
3. Do not resist arrest. If you are being placed under arrest, resisting will do nothing to support your side of the case. Again, the roadside is not the place to argue your case. Save it for the courtroom.
4. Contact an attorney right away. The sooner you get a criminal defense attorney involved in your case, the better. You can share your side of the situation while the details are still fresh in your mind and begin to craft a defense to your case right away.
Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps
Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away
If you have been pulled over by the police and feel you have been unfairly treated or charged, the roadside is not the place to argue your case. The best chance to win your case is by working with a criminal defense attorney and fighting in court.
Talk to an attorney who can build your defense and fight for your best interests. Get a free consultation with TJ Grimaldi today to see how we can help you get the best possible outcome for your charges. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 today.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
