Pulled over by a cop… now what?
- by Site Admin
- June 30, 2020
- Recent News
- 0Comments
Situation, you’re pulled over and questioned by the police…
Many of you commented on our recent Ferry Law CT Facebook post asking what your response would be to a police officer questioning you after you get pulled over. One of the most common questions police officers automatically ask are “How many drinks did you have tonight?”
It’s a common misconception that you are required to answer many questions police officers ask you. Police officers often make you think or feel that if you “cooperate” and answer their questions, they’ll take it easy on you. In reality, police officers will use all of your statements and admissions (even if inadvertent) to build probable cause for your arrest. The question “how many drinks have you had tonight” is actually a potentially incriminating question that you are NOT forced to answer. The right against self-incrimination is spelled out in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which extends to state jurisdictions.
So what should you do when questioned by a police officer?
You always have the right to politely inform the police officer that you are not answering any potentially incriminating questions without your lawyer present. Once you request an attorney, the police must cease interrogating you.
Contact Ferry Law today for a free consultation from an attorney you can trust.
