Last summer I posted my tips to avoid speeding tickets… so on this nice sunny, warm, spring day I would like to add to that list in more of a ‘things to know’.
Small stuff…
- There is something to be said for keeping your s**t straight. A driver who can easily get their proof of insurance and registration from the glove box without hassle is going to draw less attention. In a police officer’s mind, a trashed car could have a lot of places to hide stuff and possible dangers for them.
- And for god’s sake… don’t hide anything illegal in your glove box, center console, or under the seat. These are the first place anyone would look and they are all within reach. (This could get you extra charges.)
- I’ll repeat one point – Do the Basics: Buckle up, check your light-bulbs, and stop at stop signs. If you are going to get pulled over, make it worth-while… what good is trying to hide the dead hooker if you are just going to get popped for failing to stop?
- Follow @kccheckpoint on twitter. Your pastor doesn’t care, they are already following and that’s… genius!
The Big Stuff…
- The police officer should be friendly but firm, likewise… so should you. Know your rights and know they are your rights at ALL TIMES. You have the right to remain silent from the moment you interact with a police officer, not just from the moment you are arrested. Many police officers will “detain” you so they can question you without telling you your rights…. it’s always a mistake to answer questions while in cuffs without the presence of your attorney. Need more reason not to talk to police? Watch this!
- “Do you know how fast you were going?” turns into “your honor, they said they didn’t even know how fast they were going.” Don’t think they’ll remember? Think again, they have audio and video recordings and they take notes on EVERY interaction.
- “Why are you in such a hurry?” turns into “your honor, they said they were in a hurry because they wanted alone time with the baby sitter before mom gets home.”
- “Have you had anything to drink?” turns into hand-cuffs.
- In the case where you can, answer questions with questions. “What speed did you clock me at?” If you are in deep s**t the answer is always “Under the advice of my attorney I will not answer any questions without first speaking to them.” (Note: You don’t need an attorney [yet] to say that.)
- Don’t be surprised if an officer tells you that you are NOT getting a ticket and then asks to search your car. Coercion laws and case precedence makes this part of regular training for police officers. They will first deal with why they pulled you over and either write you a ticket or let you off… then they will seek to search so that there can’t be a case made that you were coerced to allow them to search.
Finally, your attorney, I am not one… get one. Coming soon… what to do at a sobriety checkpoint. Hint: it’s just more of the above.
