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If A Cop Pulls You Over, What Should You Do?

You see the red and blue flash of cop lights and hear a siren behind you. It is the traffic stop lights of a police car, and you do not know what to do.

If you ever find yourself in a traffic stop, it is crucial to know your rights. At Scott Law Group, we help clients in Kernersville and the Winston-Salem metro area to understand their rights and avoid DUI or DWI, or other traffic charges following a traffic stop. Here are some tips for staying in control of a traffic stop.

Remain Silent

Everyone has heard the phrase, “You have the right to remain silent.” It is more than just a line repeated on TV. It is a fundamental right that you should exercise when interacting with a police officer. Do not give the cop any information other than your name and address. Inform the cop that you will not speak to police without an attorney present. You are under no legal obligation to answer their questions aside from providing them with your identity.

Do Not Submit To Field Sobriety Testing

In North Carolina, you have the right to decline any field sobriety tests, such as the notorious walk-and-turn test and one-leg stand. However, if you refuse to take a Breathalyzer test, you may lose your driver’s license for up to one year.

Do Not Consent To Any Searches Or Seizures

The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that a police officer cannot search your car without a warrant or unless they have probable cause to suspect that you have committed a crime. Cops commonly use phrases such as, “You don’t have a problem if I search your vehicle, do you?” Use extreme caution before answering questions like these. Instead of answering yes or no, simply state, “I do not consent to any searches or seizures.”

Have You Been Charged After A Traffic Stop? Call Now.

If you were already pulled over and it is too late for you to act on this advice, contact a traffic lawyer at Scott Law Group, for a consultation. We can advise you on your rights, evaluate whether your case constitutes an illegal traffic stop and help you decide your next step. To schedule a consultation, call 336-310-8569, toll-free at 800-566-2907 or send us an email today. We handle cases in Winston-Salem and throughout Forsyth County and beyond.