Traffic Stop: Some Tips on What to Do When You Are Stopped

Most Americans will be involved in a traffic stop at some point in their lives. The stop itself is terribly unnerving; seeing the blue lights in your rear-view mirror, wondering if they're stopping you, then being pulled over, and sitting on the side of the road while everyone looks as they go by. From there, if you receive a ticket from the Police Office, now you are concerned about what detrimental affects this will have on your license and/or insurance. Do you have to go to court? How long will it take? What options are available? All questions that will run through your mind. For some, this is an unnerving experience, others it's downright stressful. Either way, knowing what to do when you are being stopped, can help you minimize the amount of stress you may feel (and/or cause the Police Officer) as well as potentially avoid incriminating yourself more.
First, when being pulled over, always pull off to the side of the road at the earliest place available that you can while still doing so safely. Do not jerk the wheel over and slam on your brakes, this will only cause added suspicion on the part of the Police Officer. Once pulled over, place the vehicle in park and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Officers do not like to see a lot of movement from the person when they are being pulled over. Even though you may be trying to get your license, insurance and registration together, it's better to just wait until the officer is at your car window. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the movement is innocent, but there is always the chance that the movement could be the driver attempting to hide contraband, or worse, obtain a weapon. Officer's put their lives on the line every day and giving them reason to be additionally suspicious of your motives will only add to the stress of both you and the officer during your stop.

Consulting With a Criminal Defense Lawyer

How important is the initial consultation with a criminal defense attorney? Considering the extreme consequences you may face if you are not properly represented, it would be safe to say the consultation session is of critical importance.
Some might not think a consultation is important as long as they are hiring a high-profile attorney to represent them. They could simply find out who is the most well-known and established attorney in the local area and hire the attorney based on reputation. This could prove disastrous as it prescribes to a very common myth. That is, there is the belief that a high-profile lawyer will automatically deliver the outcome you desire.
You need to ask yourself a very serious question prior to prescribing to this myth:
Can you preordain a guaranteed acquittal in a criminal case if you have a very high-profile and highly expensive attorney representing you? The answer is, of course, no. There can be no guarantees possible regarding the outcome of any court proceeding criminal or civil. However, if you do have the right representation handling your case, you will be in a much better position than someone that lacks effective representation.