Many of us will, at some point, be pulled over by law enforcement while driving. Fortunately, in most cases, these traffic stops tend to be minor and only result in a warning or, at worst, a traffic ticket. A situation can elevate quickly, however, and what might have seemed like a routine traffic stop and suddenly turn into a serious situation, leading to an arrest. To prevent this from happening to you, take some time to understand your rights when law enforcement stops you.
Here is what you need to know about traffic stops in California:
1.Why were you stopped? Some of the most common reasons why one might be stopped by a police officer include:
- The license plate on your vehicle is either expired or improperly affixed to it.
- A light, such as your headlight, turn signal, tail light, or brake light, is not working.
- You threw a piece of trash out of your window.
- Your windshield is obstructed.
- You were speeding or driving recklessly.
2.What are your rights at a traffic stop? Being stopped by a police officer can be an intimidating and scary experience and you might feel uneasy or behave nervously, even if you were not doing anything wrong. Police know that their presence is daunting and oftentimes, people are not treated fairly or legally by law enforcement, which is why it is crucial to know your rights. When a police officer signals for you to stop, you must always safely pull over to the side of the road, away from traffic. During this traffic stop, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney during an interrogation.
3.What should I do at a traffic stop? Always keep your hands in plain view on top of the steering wheel and wait until the officer asks for you to retrieve your license, registration, and proof of insurance. If an officer tells you that you are free to go, you can continue on your way, but if not, you can politely ask why you are being detained. If the officer asks to search your vehicle, you do not have to consent to this. In fact, clearly state that you do not consent to a search.
If the officer is issuing a ticket, cooperate and sign the ticket. If you fail to cooperate, you could get arrested. You should absolutely never lie to a police officer. If there is something you do not want to divulge, remember that it is your right to remain silent.
Whatever the circumstances, always remain polite and cooperative, but exercise your rights if necessary.
DUI Defense Attorney in Ventura
If you were arrested and charged with a DUI, now is the time to seek the representation you deserve to ensure your rights are protected. At The Law Offices of Robert F. Sommers, we have over 20 years of experience in representing those accused of a DUI under any and all circumstances.
Contact our office today at (805) 919-8662 to schedule a free consultation.