Silence is Golden During Traffic Stops

When you are stopped by the police, your encounter with the officer will most likely begin with a simple request for your license, insurance card, and registration. All of these items should always be within your reach, and it is important that you hand them over to the officer with as little fanfare as you can, because you are required by law to do so. As you search for your license, registration, and insurance card, you may be wondering how the rest of the traffic stop will go and whether there is anything that you can say or do to get out of there quicker, do not share those thoughts with the police officer who is outside of your window. Instead of saying something, think about whether and how you will answer any additional questions that the law enforcement officer decides to ask you.

You may not realize it, but the law enforcement officer who has detained your vehicle on the side of the road is not looking for an entertaining conversation. They are on a fishing expedition of sorts, looking for any and all information that they could possibly use to get you into trouble. Sometimes, this excessive questioning is even paired with an aggressive attitude, which can be downright intimidating. As scary as the situation might be, remain calm, stay quiet and remember that you have rights, including the right to remain silent.

Of course, knowing that you have a right to decline to answer an officer’s questions is one thing. Actually exercising that right by calmly and confidently refusing to answer questions while you are in the presence of a law enforcement officer is another thing entirely. Police officers know that many drivers have no idea that they are only legally required to provide three items during a traffic stop. Officers are also well aware that many drivers and passengers are intimidated by authority figures. With these things in mind, officers are quick to ask lots of questions, and they expect answers. Do not be surprised if the police officer seems surprised that you are not answering their questions. They may even become frustrated, or annoyed. This does not mean that you have to speak, though. If things seem to be taking a while, simply ask the officer “Am I free to go now?” to see whether the traffic stop is coming to an end.

It is difficult to predict how a traffic stop will go, or what questions the police officer will ask you. You can minimize the chance that you will provide the officer with information that could harm you knowing your rights and exercising them by saying as little as you possibly can during the traffic stop. Regardless of what you do or do not say, know that retaining a knowledgeable Kansas DUI Defense Attorney will give you the best chance at obtaining the best possible result in your Kansas DUI case. To learn more about how a Kansas DUI defense attorney can help you with your DUI case, please call our Wichita office today at (316) 264-1548

 

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