Though most of us try diligently to obey the rules of the road, most of us will be stopped by the police at some point. There are basic things that everyone should know about how to behave when pulled over in a traffic stop.
First, try to find a good place to pull off of the road, which means a place that is safe for the officer as well as yourself. If it is possible to drive into an area where the officer can comfortably get out of his car, then do so. If you can find a well-lit area such as a gas station, then go there.
Second, make it easy for the officer to see into your vehicle. Turning on the dome light and rolling down the windows make it easier for the officer to assess whether or not any threats exist.
Third, keep your hands in sight at all times, which generally means keeping them on the steering wheel. If you have to search your car to find any requested documents, do so slowly and with advance verbal notice to the officer.
Finally, be polite throughout the encounter, even if you receive a ticket. Judges almost always ask the officer whether or not a defendant was cooperative during a stop, and they will consider the answer when deciding what penalty to impose. If you follow these basic rules, the process will flow much more smoothly. If a ticket is received, call our office to discuss how we can help.