6 Things You Should Not Do When Police Stop You

According to Stanford University’s Open Policing Project, police pull over 50,000 drivers daily. That is over 20 million drivers annually. So your chances of being stopped by the police the next time you are on the road are pretty high. Being pulled over by law enforcement officers can be nerve-wracking. Only a handful of things are worse than being pulled over by the police.

It is crucial for you to understand what you should and shouldn’t do when law enforcement officers stop you. This article discusses six things you should avoid doing when the police stop you.

#1: Panicking

After the police stop you, it is expected that you will feel scared. However, you should avoid panicking when the police stop you and remain calm. When the police stop you, remain calm and comply. Doing so can help you avoid problems with the police.

#2: Fleeing

It can be tempting to drive off or try to avoid being pulled over. But you should avoid doing so. Firstly, running from the police poses extreme dangers to you, the police, and other road users. Secondly, chances are, the police have your license plate number, so even if you flee, they will still find you. Lastly, if you are caught after running from the police, you could get into much more trouble. You could face serious charges.

#3: Speaking First

It’s a good idea to wait until an officer tells you why they stopped you before speaking. Being the first to speak can make it appear as though you are guilty or trying to be combative. Also, when speaking with a police officer, do not try to explain away your actions. It is best to save any explanations for an experienced attorney who can guide you accordingly.

#4: Arguing

You might disagree with your alleged violation. Even if you disagree with the officer, you should avoid losing your temper and arguing. Losing your temper will only make things worse. If, for example, you go to court later to try to reach a plea deal, and the police officer tells the court that you acted hostile, the court will likely not favor you. Being obedient and kind can even result in an officer letting you off with a warning.

#5: Hiding Your Hands

After the police stop you, keep your hands visible at all times. Hiding your hands could be seen as a threatening gesture. Also, do not reach for anything with your hands unless the officer permits you to do so. You may know that you cannot hurt anyone, but the police may not know that.

#6: Admitting Guilt

An officer may ask, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” When an officer asks you this, it’s best to say “no.” Saying something like, “Was I speeding?” can get you into a lot of trouble. When a police officer asks you if you know why they stopped you, they are generally doing so to get you to admit that you were doing something illegal. A response like, “Was I speeding?” can be seen as an admission of guilt.

Contact a London Criminal Defense Attorney

If you need the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney, contact a London criminal defense attorney at Cessna & George Law Firm.

Source:

openpolicing.stanford.edu/findings/