Being stopped by law enforcement in any capacity can be very overwhelming. When driving on the roads, there are so many things to pay attention to — traffic lights, road signs, the speed limit, other drivers, pedestrians, weather conditions, and so much more. Sometimes we miss the police officer on the side of the road, and if stopped, we may panic before we think. When you are stopped by a police officer there are certain steps you can take to ensure that the stop runs smoothly. Be sure, of course, to pull over to the side of the road or a safe area while still following the rules of the road. Showing the officer you are complying and trying to understand traffic precautions you should take will be the start of a good interaction with him or her. By following these precautions, should anything go wrong for you or someone you know, it helps when you hire a defense attorney. Your compliance will work in your favor.
Be Respectful and Polite
No matter why you were stopped by the officer, put your vehicle in park and turn off your car. This will help the officer know that you have no intention of running away from whatever may come. It is also important to be respectful and polite. Being combative may only lead to other issues outside of the original cause of the traffic stop. Remember that the officers can not legally search your vehicle without your permission, unless there is something suspicious or presumably illegal, which would give them probable cause.
Be Cooperative
Simply put, be as cooperative as possible and do your part so that the moment passes faster. You do not want to implicate yourself in any way so do not reply to any questions outside of “yes” or “no.” Being silent will not prove your guilt or innocence, but will work more in your favor than you potentially incriminating yourself.
Speak with a Lawyer
Encounters with law enforcement can end in several ways. To make things end as positively as possible, follow this advice. Should things go another way, speak with a skilled attorney, like a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, GA from The Lynch Law Group, about the arrest or citation occurred. The right attorney can be the difference between your freedom or, potentially, the exact opposite. Law enforcement can be very intimidating, but there are ways for you or your loved ones to overcome the encounter without finding harm or even an arrest. Should there be any questions or concerns about what not to do, contact an attorney as soon as possible.