Personal Injury Lawyer

For some people, having a police officer approach them is a stressor. They may begin to wonder what they did wrong and how they’re going to handle the situation. Whether you see yourself as a person with these concerns, it’s nice to know what you should do if you ever do get stopped by the police. The following is a bit of information to get you started.

Know Your Rights

When a police officer stops you, you don’t have to answer any questions. If you want to remain silent, you can inform the officer you’re exercising that right, and that’s where the communication can stop. Some police officers may taunt you to try and get something out of you, or to try to frustrate the situation, but keep your cool and remain silent.

You don’t have to consent to any search, but there is a chance you will be patted down or searched anyway. If you make it clear that you don’t give consent to be searched, it may help your later case if you end up in court.

If you end up getting arrested, you also have the right to a local phone call. Your best bet will be to call your lawyer, as authorities are not allowed to listen in if that’s who you’re speaking to. If you call anyone else, the authorities have the right to listen to the conversation. If you don’t have a lawyer and can’t afford one, you have the right to be appointed one by the government.

Remain Calm

Even if you believe you are being treated unfair or are being unjustly arrested, don’t resist. Just go along with it for the time being and do what the officer tells you to do. There will be a time later for you to fight the allegation in court with the help of a lawyer.

Pay Attention to Details

If you feel your rights have been violated, pay attention to the details. Write down the officer’s name, badge number, car number and other information. If there were witnesses to the violation, obtain contact information from those individuals. After you have all the details in hand, take your complaint to internal affairs for the agency the officer is from.

Contact a Lawyer Today

Having a lawyer on speed dial isn’t always a bad idea, especially if you have previous bad luck with the authorities. If you are worried about an arrest, contact a criminal lawyer in Civic Center San Francisco, CA today to learn more about what you are entitled to and what you should do.

Thanks to Hallinan Law Firm for their insight into criminal law and being stopped by police.