What to Do When You Have Been Pulled Over by Police—Part Four—What to Say to the Officer

police-officer

When you’ve been pulled over by a police officer while driving, you can understandably be nervous. What you say to the officer and how you say it, though, can have a significant impact on the outcome of the traffic stop. Here are some guidelines.

Let the Officer Do Most of the Talking

In many ways, responding to a police officer during a traffic stop is like being cross-examined at trial—you want to answer with the shortest phrases possible without being rude or discourteous. The officer will listen carefully to everything you say. Unfortunately, the more you say, the more chances you’ll say something that either offends the officer or suggests that you were doing something you shouldn’t have been doing. You have the right to remain silent—don’t say anything unless you need to.

Don’t Try to Argue Your Way Out of the Ticket

Be responsive, but honest, with the officer. If the officer alleges that you were speeding and asks where you were going, tell him or her in as few words as possible. If there were extenuating circumstances—you were headed to the hospital or urgent care—be truthful, but don’t elaborate. Let the facts speak for themselves. If you try to argue your way out of the ticket or downplay what you were doing, you may appear insincere or unconcerned about violating the law.

Take a Few Deep Breaths before the Officer Comes Up to Your Car

This will help you relax, and if you are relaxed, chances are the officer will be relaxed, too. Remember, chances are that the officer is nervous, too. For many police officers, there’s no such thing as a routine traffic stop—too many officers have been seriously injured or killed in what others might call routine traffic stops.

Contact Attorney Michael Curtis Greenberg

Don’t lose your license or go to jail. Let us fight to protect your rights!

There’s no charge for your first consultation. We are available to meet with you evenings and weekends, if necessary, and can travel to your home or to detention to discuss your case. We accept all credit cards, as well as PayPal.

To schedule an appointment, contact us by e-mail or call our office at (800) 608-1350.

Named One of the Top 100 New Jersey Criminal Trial Lawyers in 2015 by The American Society of Legal Advocates

Can You Beat a Speeding Ticket in New Jersey?

Speeding Ticket

It can happen to anyone. Maybe you’re lost in a new city, or you’re on the highway and you get distracted, whether by the scenery, another driver or something going on in your car. All of a sudden, you notice the flashers in your rearview mirror. You’ve been pulled over for speeding. Is all lost? Can you beat the ticket? Here are some tips to increase your chances of not having something on your permanent record.

    • Be extremely courteous and cooperative with the police officer—If you get the least bit combative, not only will the officer be less willing to let you off with a warning, but will be more likely to show up in court, should you decide to challenge the ticket. Take the opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances—maybe it’s not your car that you are driving. If you typically drive an old beater and you’re using your parents’ Mercedes or a rental car, it might help the officer understand that this is not your typical M.O.
    • Write the officer a letter—If you don’t have the courage or fail to give the officer any explanation when you are ticketed, write him or her a letter, providing a full explanation. The officer may opt to drop the matter before you go to court.
    • Talk to the prosecutor before you go to court—You may be able to negotiate a plea where you pay a fine, but don’t accumulate any points on your record.
      Get your ducks in a row—Come to court with solid evidence to support your claim. Maybe the speed limit signs were hidden behind bushes or trees…bring pictures. If you have witnesses, bring them, too, even if they were in the car with you.

Contact the Law Office of Michael Curtis Greenberg

Don’t lose your license or go to jail. Let us fight to protect your rights!

There’s no charge for your first consultation. We are available to meet with you evenings and weekends, if necessary, and can travel to your home or to detention to discuss your case. We accept all credit cards, as well as PayPal.

To schedule an appointment, contact us by e-mail or call our office at (800) 608-1350.

 

Named One of the Top 100 New Jersey Criminal Trial Lawyers in 2015 by The American Society of Legal Advocates