Pulled Over? Here’s What to Do Next
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Getting pulled over by the police can be a very stressful experience. Regardless of the specific circumstances, if you ever find yourself in this situation, there are steps you can take to put yourself in the best position possible. Here’s what you should do:
Stop As Soon As You Can
If you look in your rearview mirror and see a police car flashing its lights, pull over as soon as you can safely do so. In the event that you’re not in the right lane, you’ll want to use your signal to indicate that you’re moving from left to right and then pulling off. By pulling over as quickly as you can without creating any safety concerns, you’ll have the best chance of knowing exactly where the violation you’re accused of occurred. You will also minimize the likelihood of putting the police officer in a position to believe that you’re not being cooperative.
What to Do Once You’re Stopped
After you pull over, turn off your engine, roll down your window and put your hands on the wheel. Don’t start looking for you license or registration until the officer asks you to do so. Not only can rummaging around your vehicle give the officer the impression that you’re trying to grab a weapon, but it can also imply that you’re attempting to hide something, which can provide the officer with a reason to search your vehicle.
The Best Way to Interact with the Police Officer
One of the most common questions that Gabriela Novo gets from clients is how they should interact with a police officer who pulls them over. The answer to that question is to be polite without volunteering any additional information. Supply basic information that’s requested and follow commands that the officer gives (including a request to step out of your vehicle). At the same time, you’re under no obligation to answer open-ended questions like “do you know why I stopped you” or “have you been drinking tonight.” Even though answering these questions may seem like a way to make life easier for yourself, any answers you supply can later be used against you in court.
When to Call a Lawyer
In the state of Florida, a police officer only needs to have probable cause to arrest someone for a DUI offense. If you are arrested for DUI, you will be asked to take a BAC test when you’re taken to jail. Refusing to take this test will result in your license being suspended. A refusal can also be used against you in court.
In terms of when to ask for a Broward County Florida DUI lawyer, you’ll want to respectfully make this request whenever any officer of the law starts asking you questions that go beyond the basics of your name, DOB and address. And if you’re already out of jail but still facing a DUI charge, you can arrange a free consultation with the Law Offices of Gabriela Novo by calling (954) 289-6967.
January 26, 2016 8:00 am
Categories: Criminal Defense, Uncategorized