Things to Remember When You Are Stopped by the Police

Things to Remember if You Are Stopped by the Police

Getting pulled over for a traffic violation in Colorado can escalate into a more serious matter if not handled correctly. This guide aims to provide advice for those who find themselves seeing flashing lights in their rearview mirror.

1. When You See a Police Car

If a police car is following you with its sirens blaring or lights flashing, pull over to the right safely and promptly.

Do so in a manner that will help calm the traffic officer. Use your turn signal to indicate any lane changes and slow down gradually, but not so abruptly that the officer has to brake to avoid you. Pull over as far to the right as possible, allowing the officer to approach your window without the risk of being hit by passing vehicles.

Stopping right away is not an admission of guilt; it simply shows that you are attentive to your surroundings. Additionally, stopping quickly can help you remember the exact location where the officer claims you committed a violation, which might be useful if you need to verify the officer’s claims later.

2. Avoid Giving the Officer a Reason to Search Your Vehicle

Typically, an officer cannot search your vehicle without your consent. However, exceptions exist. If the officer sees you hiding something under the seat or throwing something out of the window, this can justify a search. Once the officer is behind you with their spotlight on, they will watch for any suspicious movements. Any sudden lowering of your shoulders can signal that you are trying to hide something, giving the officer cause to search your vehicle.

Additionally, if there are illegal items in plain view, such as open containers of alcohol or drugs, the officer can legally seize them. This can lead to the discovery of more illegal items during the process. If you or a passenger are arrested, the car can also be searched, and if it is towed, an inventory search will be conducted even without suspicion of illegal items.

3. What to Do After You’ve Stopped

After stopping, consider extending some courtesies to the officer. Roll down your window completely, place your hands on the steering wheel, and if it’s dark, turn on your interior light. These actions can ease the officer’s concerns, as traffic stops can be dangerous for them.

Don’t start searching for your license and registration until asked. The officer might think you are reaching for a weapon, which can escalate the situation.

4. Should You Get Out of Your Car Without Being Asked? Generally, No

While an officer can ask you and your passengers to exit the car, it’s often better to stay inside unless asked otherwise. Staying in your car may help you seem less confrontational. Exiting the car might signal to the officer that you intend to contest the ticket, prompting them to take detailed notes for court.

If the officer tells you to stay in the car, comply immediately. Exiting against their instructions can lead to serious misunderstandings, including the officer drawing their weapon.

If the officer believes you are dangerous, they can perform a quick pat-down for weapons. If they find anything suspicious, they can search further. Additionally, the officer’s belief that you might be dangerous can justify a search of the passenger compartment for weapons.

5. Communicating with the Officer

What you say during a stop can significantly impact your case. Officers often decide before approaching your car whether to issue a ticket or a warning. They may seem undecided to extract admissions from you. As such, you need to be mindful that any admission you make can and will be used against you.

Avoid speaking first or making defensive statements. Let the officer start the conversation. They will likely ask for your license and registration. Comply promptly without demanding to know why you were stopped first.

If the officer asks questions like, “Do you know why I stopped you?” or “Do you know how fast you were going?” provide non-committal answers. Saying “No” to the first question or a confident “Yes” to the second without further elaboration is best. Do not argue if the officer tells you what you allegedly did wrong. Respond with a neutral “I understand” or remain silent, as silence is not an admission of guilt and cannot be used against you in court.

If you have questions, please contact our law firm.