If the police pull you over, you may feel like there is nothing you can do to change the traffic stop outcome. You may be surprised to learn that your actions during a traffic stop can help shape the outcome in your favor. When something like DUI charges is on the line, here some advice to protect yourself:
Avoid talking too much
The more you say to an officer during a traffic stop, the more resources you give them to use against you. Instead of arguing with officers, trying to convince them that you know a certain officer or that you pay their salaries, take a different approach. If officers ask you anything, simply reply with brief answers and refrain from over-explaining things.
Avoid admitting guilt
Officers may say things to get you to admit that you were speeding or committing another traffic violation. You do not have to tell officers how fast you think you were going if they ask you, and you do not need to debate them on whether or not you were swerving. When they ask you why you were pulled over, you do not have to give any reasons. Giving an admission to speeding will essentially take away an argument that I could make that they did not have reasonable suspicion to pull you over.
Comply with reasonable requests
Challenging police officers and their requests or decisions rarely work out to benefit the driver. If police officers ask you for your license and registration, it is often easier to present that to them compared to debating with the officers.
Do not challenge police during the traffic stop
If you suspect that police are conducting an illegal search of your vehicle, violating your rights, or irresponsibly behaving in other ways, wait to speak with your criminal defense attorney to begin taking action against what happened. Fighting things by yourself can often make matters worse and even result in the police pressing additional charges against you.
No matter what happens at the traffic stop, your attorney can help you secure the best possible outcome. Let your attorney help you defend your rights after a traffic stop.