March 24, 2021
When an officer pulls you over there are certain things you shouldn’t do. For instance, instead of panic and fear that you’ll go to jail, stay calm and collaborate with the officer. There is nothing to be afraid of if you were driving carefully. They might be pulling you over because of a faulty front light, because of a regular check, or simply to check you because something appeared suspicious about your car or you.
In case you get arrested (speeding, DUI, or anything else) make sure to contact a New York attorney when you get a chance.
Don’t Panic
Even though people have nothing to hide, and were driving completely carefully, when they get pulled over by an officer, it’s natural to feel a little panic. Remain calm when the officer pulls you over, and don’t try to argue, get out of the car or ask a million questions.
Just let the officer do their job.
Don’t Remove Your Seat Belt
Trying to remove the seat belt might not be the smartest thing. Until the officer can see what you’re doing, don’t try to remove it. Although this could be a habit when stopping your car, removing the seat belt (and the officer doesn’t see this) may lead them to think that you never wore it, which could lead to a ticket for this violation.
Don’t Speak Before the Officer Speaks to You
When an officer pulls you over, wait for the officer to talk to you first. Talking to them, asking them questions, or trying to argue may appear suspicious as if you’re hiding something.
Instead, let the officer take the lead and answer their questions.
Don’t Argue
You may feel the urge to argue when an officer pulls you over, especially if you believe that you haven’t violated the law anyhow. Fight that urge.
Stay calm and make sure you don’t argue with the officer. The fact that they are pulling you over doesn’t mean that you have done anything bad.
Arguing with an office can affect your record; if you were drunk or speeding, the arguing could affect the charge and you could easily get punished for this. If the officer reports hostile behavior, the judge will likely give a higher plea.
Sometimes, a kind and friendly demeanor may even help you get out of the ticket.
Don’t Reach for the Licence Without Telling the Officer What You’re Doing
Many people will automatically reach for their license when an officer pulls them over. However, any sudden movement can be perceived as a threat and you don’t want that. The officer may suspect that you’re trying to reach for a weapon, so be sure to stay calm and don’t reach for the license until they ask you to.
Also don’t roll your entire window; roll it enough so you can pass your license.
Keep Your Hands Where The Officer Can See Them
Your hands should be placed on the wheel. This way the officer will be able to see them. Naturally, the officer may feel nervous when approaching a car, especially if they suspect something. So, if they can’t see your hands, they may suspect that you’re trying to reach for a weapon.
Avoid Admitting Guilt
You might have speed, had a glass of alcohol, or did something else that violates the law. Whatever the reason the officer pulled you over, stay quiet and don’t start to admit that you were speeding or drinking.
When they ask you if you know why they pulled you over, don’t rush to guess the right answer. Their goal is to make you admit your fault. Instead to ask a question such as “Was I going over the speed limit” can put you in trouble. Instead, say that you don’t know, and avoid admitting any guilt (even if it’s true).
Stay in Your Car
Never get out of the vehicle when the officer stops you unless they ask you to do that. Although you are entirely innocent and have no bad intentions, this can lead to problems. The officer may see this as a threat, and react fast to this, so you might end up in a bigger problem.
No matter how long this takes, stay inside your car.
Remain calm and collaborate with the officer. Don’t threaten, don’t yell and answer their questions and whatever they ask you to do (field sobriety test, breathalyzer test, to step out of the vehicle, to open the truck, etc.).
Contact Cellino Law and get your free consultation.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.