Getting pulled over by a police officer is not the end of the world. There can be a myriad of innocuous reasons why an officer would pull you over. Sometimes it can just be a genuine mistake which means there is no reason for the situation to turn into anything far more serious. However, for some people, the moment they see an officer flashing their emergency lights at them, their first instinct is to panic.
It is only natural to feel a little nervous when you are being stopped by law enforcement. Although, this does not mean you should react in any way that could escalate a routine stop into an unnecessary criminal offense. If you have recently been charged after being pulled over by a police officer, make sure to contact a Rockland County criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Carl Spector as soon as possible.
What are some useful tips to know if I am pulled over by a police officer?
First and foremost, it can not be stressed enough how important it is to remain calm after being pulled over. Whether you have broken the law or not, there is absolutely no benefit in acting hostile towards a police officer. No matter how infuriated you may get for doing nothing wrong, you must keep in mind that the officer is just doing their job. It is in the best interest of both you and the officer to make sure the interaction is as painless as possible. This also means not getting out of your vehicle unless you are instructed otherwise. The only thing worse than arguing with law enforcement is getting out of your car unprompted. Not only will it make them immediately view you as a threat, but they will also act quickly to protect themselves from what they perceive as a dangerous situation.
However, remaining calm does not just mean avoiding anger, it also means not being nervous. While some people might not be able to help themselves when they are in a stressful situation, it is important to note that coming off as nervous could arouse suspicion. It may lead the officer to believe that you have something to hide even if you do not. This could mean accidentally saying something incriminating or making sudden movements like reaching for your license or taking your seatbelt off. Just remember to keep your hands on the steering wheel, answer the officer’s questions, and comply with their instructions. There is no need to do any more, or any less, than what an officer asks when you get pulled over.
