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How to Behave when Stopped by an Officer

A traffic attorney recommends the following standards for how to behave when stopped by a police officer.  First of all, be polite.  Police officers do not appreciate rude and uncooperative drivers.  Be aware of what you are doing with your hands.  Jittery or moving hands could signal to the officer that you have something to hide.  Offer proper identification, like your driver’s license and vehicle registration when prompted by the officer.   Most importantly, if you are carrying a gun, let the police officer know before he or she finds it.

Even just a small fumble to find your registration or look of nervousness will raise suspicions.  Most police officers want to know if you’ve been drinking.  Certainly, some people can have 3 drinks and appear fine to drive, but this does not mean it’s within legal limits.  If you’ve consumed alcoholic beverages and are stopped for speeding, or any other offense, try not to be too talkative.  When under the influence of alcohol, people tend to share too much information.  Provide only the necessary identification to the officer and remain cooperative.

If the police officer stops you and suspects something is going on to warrant further investigation, he or she may ask you questions, request you give a statement or want to search your car.  Remember that your constitutional rights allow you to deny being searched until you’ve spoken to a criminal attorney.

In any event when you are stopped by a police officer and drugs, alcohol, firearms are involved, or an incident on the roadways has occurred, it is best to not answer police questions that may assume guilt.  Do not give a statement to the officer until you have a criminal attorney present.  Even if you know your rights, the best thing you can do is seek representation from a criminal attorney. 

A DUI attorney, or any other attorney, does not condone drinking and driving.  The information are suggestions to consider if you are stopped.  If you are cooperative and follow these guidelines you may luck out with a lesser charge.