The traffic stop may be by far the most scary experience many of us will ever face. Whether doing anything illegal or not, facing the ire of the cops is just about the most uncomfortable thing that can happen. But it doesn’t have to be all unpleasant. You have rights, and if you exercise them, you can take away a lot of the cops’ power. Read below to learn more.
First, you don’t have to talk to the cops. At all. You don’t have to say one word. All you are required to do is give them your identification and show them that the car is legally registered and insured. The cops will ask you all sorts of questions – they are trying to find a reason to arrest you – but you don’t have to answer. Just tell them you don’t want to answer and then don’t (they may ask again – at that point ask them if you need to talk to a Seattle criminal attorney).
Second, once you tell the police officer that you won’t be answering his questions, he’s going to get a little grumpy. He likes people answering his questions, not telling him no (a bit like a petulant child). So don’t fall for his tricks to get you to try to talk. You know what they say about how the fish got caught? He opened his mouth. Keep your mouth shut and your butt will stay safe.
Third, and finally, never ever consent to the cops searching you, your vehicle, or anything else you might have in your possession (purse, suitcase, etc.). Make them get a warrant to search your car or find some other lawful way to do it other than your consent. If you allow them to search, they can look wherever they want. If you tell them no, they have to convince a judge they deserve to look at your stuff.
At the end of the day, if I were you I’d follow these guidelines whether you think you are doing anything illegal or not. The cops shouldn’t be able to pull you over and harass you whenever they want, and this is one small way to fight back against that. Just remember not to answer their questions, not to fall for their tricks, and not to let them search your car.
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