Years ago, I was on my way back from a work meeting in Tallahassee. Suddenly, cars moved over and I heard it, that siren that says you are about to meet a person in uniform. My heart immediately sank into my stomach. My thoughts raced to needing to call my boss since I was in an unmarked work vehicle. As I reached down for my phone and eased towards the shoulder, I realized my water bottle had turned on my lights and sirens. I was pulling myself over. I tell people this to highlight the fact everyone gets nervous when they are being pulled over… or think they are. So, what should you do for it to go as smoothly as possible?
Before any officer is in your rearview, make sure to have a copy of only your current registration and car insurance in an easily accessible spot. If you want to keep outdated registration and insurance, then put them in your house. It may also add to other suspicions the officer has, particularly DUI and carrying drugs in the vehicle. “The driver was extremely nervous” is a common phrase used to help develop a reason to search a vehicle. Fumbling through a stack for these items will only add to your nerves.
When an officer turns on their lights behind you, slow down and use your turn signal to get onto the shoulder. If you are close to a parking lot pull into it and immediately to the side. Do not go looking for a parking space.
Now that you are stopped the best piece of advice is to be polite. During the stop is not the time to fight the stop and getting into arguments with officers can lead to further complications. Even if the officer is not following the same advice, it is important you remain polite. Think of all the videos across the internet of the person not following this advice. Eventually, they end up in the back of the police car with uncomfortable bracelets on and more charges. However, being polite does not mean you have to answer every question. Remember their questions are designed to show your guilt, and your answers are recorded for help in prosecuting you later. They don’t need you to tell them how fast you were going or that you didn’t see the stop sign. Just like they don’t need to know where you were or where you are going.
When the officer returns with the ticket, let them explain it. You will be asked to sign, they should explain that your signature is not an admission to anything. Your signature just means you got a copy of the ticket. Look at the ticket for the court date and location. That is when and where you can fight it.
After the officer has given you your ticket, he will indicate you may leave. As you do, be a model driver. Look before you enter traffic, be sure your seat belt is fastened, and use your indicators.
As always, if you have any questions about your legal options, seek a qualified attorney.
About the Author: Ms. Angel is a criminal defense attorney having handled more than 8,000 criminal cases. She has years of experience as both prosecutor and public defender, as well as a law enforcement officer.
This article is for general information only and is not intended as and does not constitute legal advice or solicitation of a prospective client. It should not be relied on for legal advice in any factual circumstance.