What Are Your Obligations & Rights During A Traffic Stop?
No matter the suspected offense, every driver has a specific set of rights that they can, and should, exercise during a traffic stop. Every police officer has a specific set of rules and regulations that they must follow. An improper traffic stop is unconstitutional and a violation of the driver’s rights. As a result of this fact, evidence obtained during an improper traffic stop is inadmissible.
What Are Your Obligations During A Traffic Stop?
No matter the suspected traffic violation, every driver has the same basic obligations during a traffic stop. These obligations include:
- Pulling over when they see police lights flashing
- Identifying themselves/Giving police their license and registration if/when asked
- Exiting their car if/when asked to do so by a police officer
What Are Your Rights During A Traffic Stop?
Regardless of the suspected violation, every driver has the same fundamental rights during a traffic stop. Those include:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to deny a police officer’s request to search their vehicle
- The right to deny a police officer’s request to search their person
- The right to an attorney
To minimize the risk that a traffic stop results in future charges, drivers can, and should, exercise their fundamental rights.
Speak To An Indianapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you believe that you were the victim of an improper traffic stop, speak with an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer today. We will work with you on achieving the best possible legal outcome.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/exclusionary_rule
law.justia.com/cases/indiana/court-of-appeals/2016/29a02-1511-cr-1931.html
aclu.org/know-your-rights/stopped-by-police
