Getting pulled over by police is a scary situation for most people. Nobody wants to deal with the consequences of a traffic stop. Very rarely does a police officer let someone go with just a warning. They usually receive a citation or speeding ticket. In some cases, the driver may be asked to exit the vehicle.
When you are asked to step out of your car, what are your legal options? Can you simply say no? You can, but you should be prepared to face the consequences. A criminal defense lawyer from Ghanayem & Rayasam explains what will happen.
What You Can Do at a Traffic Stop
If you are pulled over, the police officer may ask you to step out of your car. This may happen when the police officer is dealing with potential threats and must ensure their safety. Asking you to exit your vehicle helps officers to maintain control over the interaction and minimize the risk of hidden weapons or sudden movements within the vehicle.
Police officers have the authority to ask both drivers and passengers to exit the vehicle during a traffic stop for safety reasons. They may separate passengers and drivers from each other to question them. However, you do have the right to remain silent, so you are not obligated to answer any questions.
If the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, you should do it. Do not argue with them or outright refuse to do so. Otherwise, you could be arrested and face criminal charges. Do not resist arrest. You can make your defense in court.
Follow their instructions and stay calm. The officer may ask to search your car, which you can refuse.
Do not give the officer reason to believe you have something illegal by hiding things or being disrespectful. You should be polite, but you do not have to answer any questions without a lawyer present.
What if My Rights Have Been Violated?
Police misconduct can happen. Some police officers abuse their power and order citizens to do things they should not have to do.
However, if you have an issue, you should not try to challenge the police officer. Do not threaten them or physically resist them. Instead, gather as much information about the police officer as possible, including their badge and patrol car numbers, nametags, and vehicle license plate numbers. You can then use this information to file a written complaint with the police department’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
Contact Our Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
When it comes to traffic stops, the laws tend to favor police officers. If you refuse to exit your vehicle, you could face criminal charges and stiff penalties.
If you refuse to obey a police officer at a traffic stop, you need to defend yourself. Seek legal help from the criminal defense lawyers at Ghanayem & Rayasam. We will work to minimize the penalties you may face. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (404) 561-0202.