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What to Do When Stopped for a Traffic Violation

You hear the sirens blaring and see the red lights flashing in your rear-view mirror. You hope that the police are after someone else, but then, with a sinking feeling, you realize that it is you they are after. With this realization, your heart starts to race and your hands start to sweat. It can sometimes be hard to think fast and rationally when under the inherent stress of a police stop, but acting appropriately in that nerve-racking situation can actually save some aggravation, and maybe even some money, in the long run. If you do come away from the stop with a ticket, a criminal defense lawyer with experience in traffic law can advise you on what to expect thereafter.

If you have questions about Misdemeanor and Felony traffic violations, contact a Indiana traffic violation defense lawyer now!

Remain Calm and Courteous, But Do Not Divulge Too Much Information.

The best thing to do in the scenario described above is to cautiously and slowly pull over to the side of the road, stay calm, and remain in the vehicle unless told to do otherwise by the police officers. You may also want to roll down the window and, if it is dark, turn on the interior dome light, which will let the officer know you have nothing to hide. Keep both hands on the steering wheel, and do not make any sudden or suspicious movements. You should not, for example, reach for the glove compartment or under the seat unless directed by the officer to do so.

If an officer pulls you over, he or she will generally ask to see your driver's license, the registration of the vehicle (in some states), and proof that the vehicle is insured. You must comply with these requests. Drivers should pull their documents out slowly and hand them to the officer. If the officer asks if you know the reason for the stop, while it is important to be polite and honest, it also makes sense to be careful about admitting too much, since any admissions may be used against you in a later proceeding. The officer may also inspect the vehicle for equipment code violations. Any objections to this inspection should be made cautiously or not at all.

Although it may be tempting to offer excuses for any alleged violations, it is better not to tell the officer that you are running late for work or an appointment or have kids waiting at home for you, for instance, since these statements could be deemed to support a charge of speeding or aggressive driving. On the other hand, it is important to respond honestly and politely to the officer's questions. Do not give any false information at any time. If, however, you do not know the answer to a particular question, it is permissible to respond, "I don't know," or "I'm not certain." Also, if the officer asks a question that you could answer but prefer not to because it may be used against you, you may not have to answer. In many instances, you have the right to tell the officer that you would rather talk to a lawyer about the situation first, or that you would rather not discuss the matter at this time.

If the officer issues a citation or a warning, some states require that you sign it. Signing a ticket or warning notice is not an admission of guilt, but simply an acknowledgement of receipt. If you believe that the ticket was unjustified, you should hold your tongue in the officer's presence and take your protest to court, where you can explain your case to the judge. Receipt of a ticket does not automatically mean that you are guilty, or will be found guilty, or that you will have to pay a fine. You usually have the right to go to court and to have the judge hear your explanation. If you do not agree with the judge's decision, you can appeal your case to a higher court.

Conclusion

Under the stress of a traffic stop, many people divulge too much information, or they become belligerent or argumentative. Either of these approaches can lead to further trouble. The best approach is to remain calm and cooperative, while refraining from offering more details than necessary. If the officer does issue a ticket or citation, call an experienced criminal defense attorney at once, to get all of your traffic law questions answered.

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Garrison Law Firm
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Indianapolis, IN 46250
(317) 572 7717

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