You were out with friends and you had a pint of beer at the bar, you’re driving home from a long day of work, or you’re on your way to visit your parents when you notice the police officer tailing you in your rearview mirror. The last thing you want to deal with is a police officer trailing behind you, waiting for the perfect moment to pull you over. There are so many people who get pulled over for the smallest things that they end up making mistakes because of their feelings about the situation. As a criminal defense attorney, we want to give you some tips on how to appropriately deal with a police officer. Dealing with a police officer is a combination of scary and uncertainty. If you aren’t careful you could make some detrimental mistakes that could cost you money and even time in jail, depending on the crime committed. To ensure you stay safe and protected, these tips from Murphy & Price, LLP will help guide you toward a successful interaction with a policeman. If you’ve found yourself in a sticky situation needing a lawyer, then check out our many services. We help with DUI and traffic offenses, federal criminal defense, state criminal defense, and many other services.
Three Tips To Remember When You Interact With A Police Officer
When you follow these helpful tips, you’ll find that your interactions with police officers are a lot less scary and nerve-wrecking. These tips are geared to help you when you are pulled over. However, you should also take them into consideration when a police officer stops you to talk or in any general interaction with a police officer. You want to be as prepared as possible if you are faced with speaking with a police officer. You’ll find when you are prepared it will be easier to interact with a police officer. Remember, if you need a criminal defense attorney we can assist you.
Don’t Say Anything Incriminating
If you’ve ever watched a crime show or are familiar with being in an illegal predicament, then you should know to never say anything incriminating. For instance, if you were drinking when you were pulled over, then it’s best if you don’t admit that you had even one drink. Generally, the best practice to follow is not saying anything in general, but if you’re pulled over for a basic traffic offense, it can be hard not to say anything at all. The best rule you can follow is by not saying anything incriminating and to keep it simple. If you are pulled over for a traffic offense, then you can keep it simple with small talk and by providing the proper documentation. If a police officer says anything that makes you uncomfortable such as asking if you’ve been drinking when you have, you can keep it simple. If you are talking to an officer for another reason such as you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, then don’t say anything incriminating. Don’t say anything you’ll regret because anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. If you were a part of something that’s illegal, then you need to immediately ask for a lawyer.
Stay Calm and Be Polite
When you are interacting with a police officer, you need to stay calm, collected, and polite. Police officers are just like you, they like to interact with people who are calm, collected, and are able to have a simple conversation. When you are pulled over, make sure to be as polite and calm as possible. If you have done something illegal, then you want to stay calm and in control, so you don’t get yourself in even deeper trouble. If you are in the midst of getting arrested due to a predicament you got yourself in, it won’t do you any good by losing control and attacking a police officer or trying to escape. Keep in mind, when you attack a police officer it is a felony and you could tack on extra time to your sentence if you hit him or her. Furthermore, if you are agreeable to the police officer, then you have a higher chance of being treated with decency and could be surprised at how lenient an officer can be. For instance, if you are pulled over and you lash out at the police officer, you have a higher chance of getting a traffic offense versus if you are calm and apologize.
Listen To The Police Officer
Listen to the police officer. You don’t want to get in trouble for not listening accurately and tacking on more to your sentence because you weren’t paying attention. If you are pulled over for a traffic offense, then listen to what the police officer says and don’t try to get out of the car to defend your case. If you get out of the car you have a higher chance of getting hurt. If you stay in the car you’re showing the police officer you’re listening and following the law. By listening to what the police officer has to say, you have a lower chance of getting in trouble with the law. When dealing with a police officer you want to be on your best behavior and the easiest way to do that is by listening to what he or she has to say. The best choice to make is to listen to what the police officer tells you and to wait and see what your next steps should be.
If you are looking for a criminal defense attorney, call for Murphy & Price, LLP.
