Traffic Violation Lawyer
If a police officer pulls you over for a traffic violation, you might feel nervous. You worry about the fines you have to pay and how it will affect your driving record. However, it is important to remain calm. What you say to the officer may impact what happens next. Here are a few things that you shouldn’t say to an officer during a traffic stop.
You Were Just Driving with the Flow of Traffic
This is a common excuse drivers use when they get pulled over for speeding. However, it is not a good legal defense. Just because everyone else was driving above the speed limit, doesn’t mean that it’s okay for you to do that. It might not feel fair that the police officer pulled you over, but you’re not being singled out.
You Have a Relative on the Police Force
If you have a family member who is a police officer, you might think that could help with your traffic ticket. However, having a family member on the force isn’t relative to this situation. A police officer will most likely not care that your relative is on the force and may even think that you were being inappropriate.
You Want the Police Officer’s Badge Number
It is certainly important for you to know the police officer’s full name and badge number. However, that information will already be on the ticket that’s issued to you. If you demand the officer to give you his or her badge number, it may seem like you’re challenging his or her authority.
I’m Sorry for Speeding
Even if you believe that a police officer pulled you over for speeding, you should not admit anything. If you apologize for going over the speed limit, it can show guilt. Instead, allow the other police officer to tell you why he or she pulled you over.
There Are Real Criminals Out There
Some people become angry that police officers pull them over for traffic violations. As a result, they may tell the officer that there are real criminals out there and that they need something better to do. Don’t do this. This will only irritate the officer and may lead to stiffer penalties.
If you want to fight a traffic ticket, a traffic violation lawyer, like one from May Law, LLP, can help.
- Continuing Legal Education Instructor of the Year, North Carolina Bar Association
- Former President, Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Board Member, Criminal Justice Section, North Carolina Bar Association
Talk to a Greensboro traffic and DWI lawyer today
Bring the citation, any DMV letter and your court date.
Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law
317 South Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 379-0539
This article explains North Carolina law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your case, and laws, penalties and court procedures change. Contact an attorney about your specific situation.