When you spot those flashing lights in your rearview mirror, you might feel a number of emotions—perhaps you’re late to an important meeting or simply convinced you were doing nothing wrong. However, in this situation, your initial reaction could affect your future. From talking to the police officer to strategizing with your criminal defense attorney, use these tips if you’re ever pulled over in your car. 

3 Tips When Your Car’s Stopped by Police

1. Mind How You Pull Over

Whatever you might have been pulled over for, the way you operate your car and interpret traffic laws could help or hurt your interaction with the officer. To avoid giving them any reason to get frustrated, use your turn signal before changing lanes, and move at a steady pace. Coming to a stop too quick could put the officer at risk of rear-ending you, and pulling over too slowly might communicate indifference to authority. 

2. Sit Tight

Once you’re on the shoulder, roll down your window and put your hands on the steering wheel in front of you. As the officer approaches, sit still and keep your hands there. You don’t have to pull out your license and registration until the officer asks—and doing so too early could put you in danger, as it presents the possibility that you’re reaching for a weapon.

3. Stay Calm

If the officer asks for your documents, respond briefly but positively and stay calm. If you’ve been pulled over for a traffic violation, the officer will have no immediate cause to search your vehicle. However, if they see any suspicious objects in your car or feel as if you’re moving protectively, they do have the right to ask to search your vehicle. They also have the right to ask you to get out of the car and a right to pat you down for weapons.

If you feel like the officer is giving orders that are unfounded, don’t say anything—follow along with their directions. Instead of escalating the situation on the side of the road, you can take your concerns to a criminal defense attorney, who might be able to rule out the officer’s findings if they weren’t entitled to a search or pat-down. 

If you were pulled over by the police and want to speak to a criminal defense attorney, reach out to Bates Law Firm PLLC of Wadesboro, NC. They have experience helping clients obtain justice in a variety of circumstances throughout Anson, Richmond, Stanly, and Union counties, from traffic tickets to child custody and even criminal offenses. To learn more about their skills, visit the website. Call (704) 694-0195 to set up a consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney today.