What You Need To Know About Being Pulled Over by a Police Officer in FL
There should be a valid reason for police to pull you over and detain you. It is important to know your legal rights during a traffic stop since you are likely to be stopped by police once in your lifetime. Below are a few steps to take when pulled over by police in Florida.
1. Stop your car at a safe location
When a police officer signals to you to pull over, you should find a safe location and come to a complete stop. If there is no safe location close to you, slow down so that the officer will know you are trying to find a place to pull off the road.
Roll down your window, turn off the engine and place your hand on the steering wheel. Keep your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance where you can quickly reach them when the police officer asks for it to afford confusion.
2. Follow police instructions
Do not make any sudden movements; remain calm until the police officer asks you to step out of the vehicle or provide documentation. If they are not close to you, tell the officer where they are and seek permission to pick it.
If you have any weapon in the vehicle, tell the officer where it is. Every other person in the vehicle should follow the same instruction and avoid sudden movements.
3. You have the right to remain silent.
You can invoke your right to remain silent and refuse to answer any question after providing your name and address to the officer, and you should politely tell the officer you have the right to remain silent.
This could escalate the matter, be careful not to answer questions that can incriminate you; politely refuse to answer questions that can incriminate you.
4. You don’t have to consent to a search.
If the officer asks to search your vehicle, you do not need to consent to the search. The officer should not search your vehicle without your consent if he doesn’t have a warrant. Do not resist the search but carefully state that you don’t consent to the search. Resisting can escalate the matter and lead to a criminal charge.
In case you are charged with any traffic-related offense or other offenses, maintain your rights, and don’t forget to contact a suitable attorney to handle your case.
