Police encounters can be intense.You might feel like you have been treated unfairly.In order to avoid any negative consequences, you need to stay calm and in control of yourself.If you show respect to the police, you will be better off than if you don't.At the same time, you need to protect your rights, such as the right to remain silent.When you are booked at the station, you need to get a phone call so that you can hire an attorney.
Step 1: Stop the vehicle.
It is not unusual to be stopped while driving.Pull over to a safe place as soon as possible if you see the lights blinking in your mirror.If you see a safe spot on the road, pull over and turn off your car.You should turn on your internal light.The officer will be more comfortable approaching your car.You can open the window.Since it looks like you are going to confront the officer, don't open the door.Put your window down several inches.When the officer approaches your window, put your hands on the steering wheel.Tell the officer where your registration is located, and ask if you can get it.Can I get it?
Step 2: Stay calm, stay calm.
If you have done nothing wrong, your heart will start pounding when you get arrested.It's important to remain calm.You could cause the police to become angry by raising your voice.Take a deep breath and hold it for a second.Release the air slowly.Take a deep breath.
Step 3: Speak politely.
No matter how angry you are, you should not curse or swear at the officer.When speaking to the police, always say "Sir," "Ma'am," or "Officer."Being too polite is better than not being polite at all.
Step 4: Let the truth be known.
Lying to the police or pretending to be dumb can escalate a situation.If you do speak to the police, you should not lie to them.Don't think that faking a panic attack or another medical emergency will get you out of an arrest.This will prolong the time that you are in police custody.
Step 5: Don't physically resist.
You should not physically resist the arrest if you are polite and calm.You should not fight the police as they place handcuffs on you.You should follow their directions.Turn around if the police tell you to.If the police hurt you, you should tell them: "That hurts" or "The handcuffs are too tight."
Step 6: Don't confront other arrestees.
You could be arrested with a group.You might have participated in a protest and been picked up by a group of people you don't know.It's important that you don't get into fights with them while you're in jail.Don't argue over space or who gets to use the phone first.Try to be as polite as possible.You should not talk about the incident with them.Anything you say can be used against you.Whatever you say to other arrestees in jail or in the back of the police car could come out at trial.
Step 7: Don't consent to a search.
If the police have reasonable suspicion that you have a weapon on you, they can perform a pat down.If they have probable cause that your car contains evidence of a crime, they may search it.The police try to get you to agree to a search.The police don't need any suspicion or probable cause if you consent.You should not consent to a search of your vehicle.If the officer asks if you can look in your trunk, you need to say no.
Step 8: You want to remain silent.
There are some basic questions you have to answer.You need to identify yourself and your address.If you have a photo identification on you, you also have to show it.You don't have to answer any questions the police might ask.Say that you want to remain silent.You need to say, "I want to remain silent."When you know the law, police don't like it.You may be making the situation worse by telling the police you want to be quiet.You need to run the risk of the officer getting angry with you because silence is so important.
Step 9: Request a lawyer.
When you are arrested, you should tell the police that you want to talk to a lawyer.Once you request an attorney, the police must stop questioning you.If they keep badgering you, repeat, "I don't want to talk to you."You have to ask to speak to your parole officer if you want to talk to an attorney.You need to say you want to talk to your lawyer.Stay silent.
Step 10: Police can lie to you.
The police want you to talk.You might incriminate yourself if you talk.Police might say a lot of things to get you to talk.Police can lie to you and twist the truth.Police might tell you that if you talk, they will let you go.If you can post bail, the police might let you go.If you confess, they can get a reduced sentence for you.The police do not decide your sentence.The police could say they have witnesses who saw you commit the crime.This is often a lie.If it is true, you have less incentive to talk to the police.If there are witnesses to the crime, you will not talk your way out of a charge.It is best to be quiet.
Step 11: Don't forget everything.
You should be trying to build a defense when you are stopped by the police.You should remember what the officer said and what you said in return.You should remember these details so that you can tell your lawyer later.Did you know you had the right to remain silent before being questioned?Were you told you had the right to an attorney?You can get anything you say thrown out of court if you don't.Did the officer show you a warrant when they came to arrest you?The arrest may be unconstitutional if not.Did you agree to a search?Tell your lawyer the truth.You have limited defenses if you consented.Did the police rough you up?The police might have sent a dog to bite you without warning.You might have been put in a choke hold by the police.Tell your lawyer about the force the police used against you.You may be able to file a written complaint later.
Step 12: If you want, you can film the encounter.
If you film an encounter with police in a public place, you have a right to do so.Courts keep striking down laws that make it illegal to videotape police on the street.You must always consider how angry you might be when protecting your rights.If they don't want to be video recorded, some officers could get aggressive.There is a need to diffuse the situation while preserving evidence.Asking bystanders to take down important information like the squad car number is an alternative to filming.These people could be important witnesses in the future.
Step 13: Ask to speak with a lawyer.
You can make a phone call from the jail.You might need a quarter to make a call.Tell the person in charge if you don't have any money.Each jail has a different booking process.If you are aggressive with the police, they might delay your ability to call an attorney, because you don't have the right to an immediate phone call.Wait to be booked and then ask, "Can I make a phone call now?"The police might forget about you.You might have to ask more than once.I have not had a chance to make my phone call.Can I call now?
Step 14: You can call a friend or family member.
You should call someone you know will be home if you make a phone call.This should be a responsible adult, such as a parent or grandparent, and not a friend who might be partying.The police might make a call for you.Give them the name and phone number of the person you want to call.Police call for you so that you don't contact someone and tell them to destroy evidence or flee the police.If you cannot reach someone on your first call, ask if you can make another.If you don't abuse the privilege, police will let you make as many calls as you need.Line up your lawyer.This is your top priority.Make sure to get a lawyer first if you want to make other phone calls or arrange day care.
Step 15: At your initial appearance, request a public defender.
You may be taken before a judge after being booked.The judge should ask you whether you can afford an attorney or if you want a public defender.Tell the judge that you want a public defender.To request a public defender, you will have to complete an application.Personal information will be requested, such as your monthly income and assets.