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Getting arrested is no one's idea of a good time. Whether you were involved in something illegal, were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, or chose the wrong friends, there are some things that you should know about dealing with the police that can protect you and those around you. While most police officers are simply doing their job and protecting their community, there are instances where tension can get the better of them and you. If you are ever arrested or even just approached by the police, you can avoid a lot of hassle by remembering just a few tips from a local Greenville criminal attorney! Acknowledge Their Presence The overwhelming majority of police interaction comes in the form of a traffic stop. Whether you were speeding, driving erratically, or otherwise calling attention to yourself on the road, the police have a right (and duty) to stop you. As soon as you see those lights in your rear view mirror, take a deep breath and a careful look at your situation. In all cases, it is probably a good idea to turn on your emergency flashers so that the officer knows you are aware of his/her presence and do intend to stop for them. If your situation offers a quick and easy way to pull over (such as on Main Street in the middle of the day), take it. If however, you are in a complicated situation, like driving down the freeway at night, do your best to communicate to the officer that you intend on stopping as soon as it is safe. Turning on your emergency flashers, slowing down, and getting into an exit lane are a great way to let the officer know you take him/her seriously! Put 'emUp! After you have pulled over, turn off your car and put your hands on your steering wheel. The reason these two things are important is that they help the police officer feel more secure. By turning off the car you eliminate the threat of running the officer over and putting your hands on the steering wheel allows the officer to see that you are unarmed. Like them or not, police officers do a dangerous job and, at every traffic stop, they are rightfully on edge. By letting them see your hands, you can help deescalate some of the tension they are feeling, which will help them be a little more relaxed and easier to deal with. Always Ask Permission Now, in most cases, the officer is going to ask you to produce your driver's license and registration. Before you start reaching around for things, let the officer know what you're doing. Remember, he or she is likely nervous so by simply stating, "My registration is in my glove box and my license is in my purse which is in the floor of the passenger seat," you can prevent them from getting upset that they can no longer see your hands. Indicating where your important documents are and asking permission to get them is a great way to decrease the tension in this kind of situation. Stand Your Ground, Politely Even though the last three points have been about being cooperative, this one is about being uncooperative. Police do not have a right to interrogate you or search your car without a warrant or the presence of an attorney. Just because they don't have that right doesn't mean they won't try it; they almost always do. Do not engage the police officer in conversation! When they ask you a question simply state, "I decline to answer per my constitutional rights." No matter what their reaction is, stay stoic. Do not get involved in a hostile conversation, do not be rude, but do not give in. They may book you, but that is when you call a Greenville criminal attorney to come straighten everything out! Robert E. Ianuario, PC http://www.ianuariolaw.com/personal-injury-cases/ is your premier destination for seeking legal services when you are involved in a personal injury case. Visit Greenville criminal attorney now.
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