What do I say when I get pulled over?
Knowing what to say when an officer pulls over a vehicle can be challenging. A driver has certain legal rights that allow him or her to implement silence when the officer is asking questions. However, certain situations require driver participation. A driver who does not participate in those situations can face immediate license suspension.
A Driver’s Rights
A driver’s rights will depend on the reason the police officer pulls over the vehicle. If the officer is attempting to charge the individual with a criminal charge such as auto theft or drug charges, then the individual has the right to remain silent. That person does not have to admit guilt of any kind. The best course of action for that person to take is to consult with an attorney as quickly as possible. A defendant is allowed to ask for an attorney before he or she speaks about the alleged crime.
The Breathalyzer Test
A drunk driving pullover is a different matter that may require driver cooperation. Some states have strict laws about refusing to take a Breathalyzer test during a DUI stop. An officer who has cause to believe that a driver is intoxicated can request that the person take a Breathalyzer test. Refusal to do such can result in immediate license revocation, and in some cases, additional fines.
Fighting a Citation
A traffic charge works the same way as any other charge works. The police officer issues a citation or an accusation for an offense. The defendant can plead guilty to the offense, or that person can appear in court to fight the charge in front of a judge. Most traffic violations have payable fines associated with them. A driver can choose to pay a traffic ticket, but the payment counts as a guilty plea. By pleading guilty, the driver is accepting any points that the state may attach to the traffic crime.
A driver can obtain legal services for a traffic violation whether the violation is large or small. The cost of an attorney is well worth the additional expenses that come from legal fines, surcharges and inflated insurance premiums. Reliable traffic violation attorneys are available in every jurisdiction. A person who is facing a charge can arrange an initial consultation by calling a local firm. An honorable firm will have a wealth of positive reviews and large number of successful cases.