1. If you see police lights, pull over and stop. Stay in your car.  Assume you are being videotaped.
2. Turn the interior lights on for the police officer’s benefit.  Get out your driver’s license and insurance certificate.   After that, keep your hands on the steering wheel and in plain sight when the officer approaches.
3. If you have doubts that it is really a police officer behind you, then you can call 911 and ask them to verify the stop. 
4. Cooperate and be polite.  If you have passengers in the car, tell them to be quiet. 
5. If you are asked,  step out of the car.  You do not have to agree to a search of the car. 
6. The officer may try to give you a field sobriety test.  You do not have to take the field sobriety test.  However, if you decide to take the test and if you have a bum knee or another condition that will affect your test, then tell the officer.  If there is a videotape, this should be on the videotape. 
7. If you are arrested, go quietly.  Remember that you are being taped at all times, including anytime that you are left  alone in a room.  You will most likely be held in jail overnight, until a magistrate arrives to set your bond.  You will usually have the chance to make a phone call.  It’s best to call, or have someone call, an attorney so that your jail release will go more smoothly. 

And, most importantly, Call Us.  Attorney Craig Price at Hammerle Finley Law Firm is an experienced and savvy criminal defense attorney.  Contact us if you or a family member are arrested. 

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