Speaking to an Officer at a Hampton Roads Traffic Stop

Traffic stops can be intimidating experiences for the average driver. However, it is important to understand what rights you have regarding traffic stops and interacting with an officer. Drivers should be sure to cooperate with law enforcement and try not to say too much. Talking too much could lead an officer to believe that you are intoxicated or under the influence. For more information about speaking to an office at a Hampton Roads traffic stop, contact an experienced attorney today.

What to Expect During a Hampton Roads Traffic Stop

When speaking to an officer at a Hampton Roads traffic stop, a driver can expect that the officer to ask for their license and registration. They will almost always ask if the driver knows why they are being pulled over.

A person does not have to answer all of the officer’s questions. By statute, when an officer has a justifiable reason to interact with a driver, that person is required to identify themselves. Beyond that, a person does not have to make any other statements about the circumstances of what happened.

Biggest Mistakes to Avoid During a Traffic Stop

One of the biggest mistakes to avoid is talking too much. Officers are listening for everything a person says and if the person starts talking, this can lead the officer to believe that the person is intoxicated. Also, a person does not want to argue with the police officer. On most traffic stops, judges ask whether or not he or she was cooperative or argumentative and if the person is argumentative, that can affect the trial.

What to Say When an Officer Asks a Driver if they Were Speeding

In the event that an officer asks the driver if they knew they were speeding, a person can answer that question as they see fit. Any statements a person makes at that time can be considered an admission and used against them. If a person says that they knew they were speeding, the officer can use that later in court.  Any admission can be used against the driver in court.

If a person is intending on fighting the case, they should probably not make any statements about what they believe they were doing. This can limit their future defenses.

Should Drivers ask Officers Any Questions After Being Pulled Over?

A driver should not ask any questions when pulled over. Some police officers are not very friendly during these circumstances, especially at night. If there is something a person does not understand about the charge, they can ask.

Also, when an officer stops a person, they are trying to determine if there are other possible crimes. If a person starts talking, the officer may believe that the person is intoxicated. This may give an officer probable cause to prolong the stop and conduct a vehicle search or field sobriety test. Therefore, a person’s best bet is to say as little as possible. If there are questions, it may be best to get an attorney and ask them in court.