GETTING ARRESTED IS SCARY, BUT THE LEGAL SYSTEM SHOULDN’T BE.

The fear of the legal system often stems from the unknown. The process can be overwhelming, from understanding your rights to setting and posting bail, appearances in court, creating a solid defense, and concerns related to employment and family issues. In this month’s AMA, Ask Me Anything, I will tackle the most common initial question I receive:

WHAT DO I DO IF AN OFFICER PULLS ME OVER?

Regardless of the situation, I always have a goal of not escalating the situation. There are, however, certain things you need to remember:

• The officer must identify himself.

• You can ask for proper identification, especially with plain clothes officers.

• You have the right to refuse consent to search.

• You have the right to remain silent.

• To protect my clients, I advise them to comply with all reasonable requests to avoid escalating the situation. For example, if an officer asks for identification once pulled over, give him that information. Keep your hands visible to show you have no weapons and be respectful to the officer. These actions are for your safety and the safety of the officer.

It’s essential to know your rights throughout the process. Knowing your rights eliminates the fear. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have a question about an arrest or your rights. This article is not intended to be formal legal advice or the formation of an attorney-client relationship.

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