Utah Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Advice: Say Nothing Incriminating to the Police
One of the most frustrating parts about being a Utah criminal defense lawyer is that we are not able to be with our clients when they are pulled over by law enforcement. If we were present with our client in the car when they get pulled over the first thing we would say is “Do not say anything to the police.”
People have a general fear of police and believe that they have to answer any question a police officer asks them. So, when a police officer pulls someone over and asks “have you been smoking marijuana tonight” or “have you been drinking tonight” the driver typically believes he has to answer that question.
NEVER ANSWER AN INCRIMINATING QUESTION!
What You Should Do If You Get Pulled Over
When you get pulled over put your hands on the steering wheel at 10 and 2 and roll down your window. When the officer approaches and asks you for your license and registration give them to him. If he asks you anything other than “license and registration please” you do not have to answer him. Use your judgment obviously. If he asks you “how are you doing tonight” you can respond to that question of course, but if he asks you “how many beers have you had tonight” you can either (1) say nothing or (2) politely respond “I prefer not to answer any such questions officer.”
At Salcido Law Firm we are criminal defense lawyers and we cannot stress enough DO NOT SAY ANYTHING INCRIMINATING TO AN OFFICER. In DUI Defense cases 9 times out of 10 our client said something incriminating to the officer such as “yeah, I had a couple of beers tonight.” The same is true for our drug crimes cases. The client usually always volunteers the location of drugs in his car. Again, SAY NOTHING.
Facing Criminal Charges? Call Us.
We understand how nerve-racking it can be to be pulled over and standing up to the authority of the state can be intimidating but remember, the purpose of the government is to protect your rights, and you have a right to stand up for your rights.
The law firm of Salcido Law Firm is committed to protecting your rights. If you have been pulled over and are facing criminal charges for DUI or drug possession, contact us. We will do everything we can to protect you. Call us at 801.618.1334 or email us to speak with a criminal defense attorney.
