Know Your Rights In A Traffic Stop
So we have all seen the videos of people trying to play courtroom on the side of the road when they get pulled over. This is not the smartest thing to do and often leads to the spread of misinformation about rights. Peace officers tasked with enforcing public safety and keeping law and order are not looking to have long winded debates. That doesn’t mean you don’t have any rights. In fact we are going to cover some right now.
The Right To Remain Silent
It is best to remain calm when making contact with law enforcement. Keep your hands where they are visible and do not resist in any way. While the police may ask you identifying information, you do not have to tell them where you are going or coming from. These are questions you have the right not to answer in a traffic stop. However, if you wish to remain silent, you must state it out loud so they can hear you. If you believe you have done nothing wrong, this is the best thing to do. Lying to the police is in fact a crime, remaining silent is not. Again, know your rights in a traffic stop.
This does not mean they will not continue to ask questions. You may ask if you are free to leave. If they tell you that you are not, continue to remain calm. In Oklahoma, resisting arrest is a crime in itself. You have the right to know what you are being arrested for, so you may ask them that.
Search And Seizure
The police MAY NOT search you if you are not under arrest unless they have a warrant. you have the right to refuse a search of your vehicle if you are not under arrest.
However, the police MAY pat you down whether or not you are under arrest to check you for a weapon. This is something that the law does allow. Again, remain calm, you still have rights.
Call Wyatt Law Office
You also the right to have an attorney present during questioning. Should you need an attorney so that you know your rights in a traffic stop, call the Wyatt Law Office today.