With the recent publicity centered around interactions between the public and the police, I decided to put together a short rule-set to help you in case you’re ever pulled over by the police. Follow these simple rules and you should get through being pulled over without major incident.
1. Remain calm.
The police will pick up on the fact that you’re nervous and often take it as if you’re hiding something. Don’t give them any reason to be suspicious. Speak slowly and don’t fidget or move around too much. Keep your hands where they can be seen and breathe; you’ll be okay.
2. Be Nice.
Being rude to the officer will not in any way help you. In fact, in my many conversations with police oficers one thing I always hear them say “I was going to let them off with a warning but they were so rude to me so…” Don’t argue, swear, or threaten a complaint, and I can not say this enough – DO NOT tell them that your taxes pay their salary. Being nice or corgial will help your situation more than being a jerk.
3. Don’t Answer Questions.
Yes, just like on movies and tv, anything you say can AND WILL be used against you in a court of law. It is perfectly legal for you to NICELY decline answering any questions. Operating word here being NICELY (see rule 2). You’re not required to answer any of the officer’s questions so memorize these words:
“Officer I understand you’re doing your job, thank you for your service, however I will not be able to answer any of your questions without a lawyer present.”
4. Comply with Officer Demands.
If the officer asks you to get out of the car, sit on the curb and/or decides to arrest and detain you for any reason – DO NOT:
- Resist the officer physically or verbally
- Argue with him, this is usually viewed as a form of resistance
- Touch the officer, you don’t want assault charges on your docket as well
- Make any statements – don’t open your mouth, don’t say a word except to ask for an attorney and nothing else
5. Do Not Consent.
If the Officer asks you if they can look around your car, in the trunk, or glove compartment you have the right to say NICELY refuse. You are not required to give the officer permission to look in your trunk or glove compartment. If you consent to a search, anything the officer finds can be used against you in court. They can only look for things in plain sight, so if you have something illegal visible through the window the officer can react to it.
If you have been pulled over immediately contact your attorney and make sure to write down anything about the incident you remember as soon as you can. Officer name, badge number, and any relevant facts will be very useful to your lawyer.
Have you been pulled over? Romi Saleh Law can help you! Give us a call at (973) 771-6561 or email us by clicking here.
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