subject: Your rights when you get pulled over in a traffic stop [print this page] Your rights when you get pulled over in a traffic stop
Getting pulled over by a police officer is no laughing matter. Most of us become stressed out, apprehensive and fearful of the monetary or legal consequences. Do you know what to do when you see the flashing red, white and blue police lights in your rearview mirror? More importantly, do you know the differences among traffic violations, traffic misdemeanors and felony traffic offenses, and the legal repercussions of each? If you don't, read below it's important to know what to do and the law.
Getting Pulled Over What to Do:
It's imperative to quickly pull over as soon as it's safe and reasonable to do so. Do not pull over in a spot that is unsafe for you or the officer. Indicate you are pulling over by turning on your turn signal.
Do not delay pulling over. Continuing to drive will indicate to the officer that you are up to no good or have something to hide.
Keep your hands on the wheel and stay in the car. Removing your hands from the steering wheel can make the officer think you are reaching for a weapon and getting out of the car will indicate to the officer that something is wrong.
Now that it's clear you must quickly pull over and remain in the car, it's necessary to know the severity of the offense you may face.
Traffic Violations:
Most traffic offenses are common moving violations or infractions think of common traffic tickets. These include speeding, window tint violations, seatbelt and child restraint violations, etc Traffic violation penalties typically result in fines, loss of driving privileges and/or jail time.
However, traffic violations become either a serious misdemeanor or felony if they injure another person or property, or could potentially cause injury or property destruction.
Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses:
Misdemeanors are more severe than a common traffic ticket. They are punishable by a lager fine or jail time that is typically less than one year. Most traffic misdemeanors will require the driver to be taken into custody and then post bond. The following are some common traffic misdemeanors: driving while intoxicated, not stopping if you were involved in an accident, driving with an invalid driver's license, and not having insurance and driving recklessly
Felony Traffic Offenses:
Felony traffic offenses can come with severe penalties. Felonies are defined as offenses punishable with no less than one year in prison or by death. Notice that felony traffic offenses are repeat infringements or more severe violations such as, repeat DUI/DWI convictions hit and run offenses, and vehicular homicides.
No matter your traffic offense, no case is too big or too small for Nessel Defense Law's serious attention. Nessel Defense Law has an extremely successful track record for defending Michigan citizens in the courts of law and in most instances they can reduce your fines or even get the case dismissed. If you've been accused of a traffic misdemeanor or felony, Nessel Defense Law will sit down with you in a confidential consultation to discuss the law, your full rights and how Nessel Defense Law's representation can help you avoid many of the legal consequences, such as hefty fines and a license suspension.
