When it comes to getting pulled over by an officer, there is so much information on what you should or shouldn’t do, and it can get confusing or overwhelming. To simplify, we have created our series of tips and tricks that will help you know what to do when you encounter trouble with the law. Learning how to protect yourself is a valuable skill that people need to learn. 

When being pulled over the number one thing to remember is respect. At the end of the day, we are all human beings and we all make mistakes and get into trouble. Unfortunately, getting pulled over or dealing with officers can put us in a defensive mode, but working to stay open-minded and kind can help you in the long run. Here are our tips on what doesn’t work, and what can help when dealing with law enforcement:

What NOT to do:

1. Do not fearlessly exercise all of your rights…especially your right to free speech. While living in America gives us these rights, there is always an appropriate time and place. Insulting or disrespecting an officer can result in more trouble than you were in originally, so work to hold your tongue and treat the officer with respect. 
2. Do not talk about your right to bear arms. When you talk about weapons or decide that now is the time to mouth off to an officer about your own guns, it can come off as a threat to an officer. Avoid any talk of violence and weapons.

What TO do:

1. Remember that even if you disagree with the cop, there is a way to be cool and collected through it. No one wants to get a ticket or get pulled over, but it happens. Learn to keep your cool and keep in mind that the officer you are talking to is also human.
2. Sign your ticket! Many people think that signing your ticket is admitting guilt, but really, it just means that you acknowledge the ticket and are making a promise to take care of it with the court. Not signing can result in jail time and can make your attorney’s job much harder in court later on.

It is easy to lose your composure and fly off the handle when your day takes an unexpected turn for the worse. Getting pulled over and getting a ticket can spoil your day, or it can serve as a lesson learned. Either way, it’s important to know how to conduct yourself professionally in order to avoid further repercussions. Keep an eye out for more tips from Intermountain Legal to learn how to handle sticky situations!