A police stop is always a nerve-racking experience – even if you have done nothing wrong. However, if the officer arrests you, then the prosecuting authority can use what you say as evidence against you in court. It is critical that you behave in a way that protects your interests.
If you are facing charges for DWI or another criminal offense, contact Goldberg & Allen, LLP. A New York City criminal lawyer will evaluate your arrest, structure your defense and aggressively fight for a positive outcome to your case.
Jay K. Goldberg and Gerald Allen have successfully handled a wide range of misdemeanor and felony cases. Schedule a consultation today by calling 212-766-3366, and visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about New York DWI laws.
Here are three tips to remember if police pull you over:
- Show respect to the officer before initial dialogue.
The first step is to pull over to a safe location and turn off your vehicle. You can demonstrate respectful behavior by rolling down your window all the way, removing gum from your mouth and putting out a cigarette if you are smoking.
If the stop happens at night, turn on the light inside your vehicle. This can make the officer feel more comfortable when approaching.
- Do not display suspicious behavior.
Police officers are always on high alert when they stop a vehicle. Not only are they looking for signs of criminal activity, but they also do not want to put themselves in danger, as Riskology explains.
Do not frantically search for your driver’s license or registration; it may appear as though you are looking for a weapon. Also, do not lower your shoulders because it may appear as if you are hiding something below the seat.
- Do not lie to the police.
You should never lie to a police officer; however, it is important to remember that you do not have to answer all of his or her questions, as CNN explains. For example, if the officer asks if you have had any drinks tonight, you could politely state that you do not feel comfortable answering questions without a criminal lawyer.
Consult a Criminal Lawyer
If you were arrested for driving while intoxicated or another criminal offense, then your first call should be to a criminal attorney. Even if you failed the breathalyzer, there may be a defense that works in your favor. Perhaps the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to make the stop, or maybe you were arrested without probable cause.
The legal system can be unpredictable, so you should never attempt to fight criminal charges alone. A DWI attorney from Goldberg & Allen, LLP can represent your interests.
Our attorneys have successfully represented clients who faced charges for driving under the influence, drug crimes, white collar offenses and sex crimes. We have also handled high-profile lawsuits against the city for false arrest and police brutality. Schedule a consultation today by calling 212-766-3366.
