Oklahoma drivers who are stopped by the police have various rights that they need to be aware of. It’s a good idea to understand what you should and shouldn’t do when you’re stopped by the police so that you can prevent any actions that are not within your best interest.
What you should do
While it’s always advisable to speak to a criminal defense lawyer to determine what you should do in certain scenarios, there are some general pieces of advice that you can follow. Most states require that you turn over your driver’s license and proof of insurance to a police officer that stops you. When it comes to questioning, you have the right to remain silent. However, it’s essential to explain to the police in a polite manner that you would like to remain silent without your lawyer being present.
What you shouldn’t do
In some cases, an officer may ask to search your vehicle. This may be in the form of asking if you could pop your trunk or asking if they can look inside your vehicle. You do not want to consent to a willing search. It’s best to simply let the officer worry about getting a search warrant if they would like to search your vehicle. Make sure throughout the entire process that you don’t disrespect the police officer for physically trying to resist a pat down.
Being pulled over by the police is not something that most people want to have to think about dealing with. However, understanding what your rights are when it does happen can help to ensure that you stay within them. If you have any further questions regarding your rights during police stops, it’s advisable to seek assistance from an attorney to get them answered.