Attorney Advertising.
Getting pulled over is stressful, and what you do in those first few minutes matters more than most people realize. I have seen good people talk themselves into a much bigger problem simply because nobody ever told them their rights. So here is the plain-English version.
By Nicholas Somberg, founding attorney at Somberg Law, PLLC in Bingham Farms, Michigan. Licensed by the State Bar of Michigan.
Pull over safely and keep your hands visible
Signal, pull to the right, turn off the engine, and put your hands on the wheel where the officer can see them. If it is dark, turn on your interior light. This is not about looking guilty or innocent. It is about keeping the stop calm and safe for everyone.
What you have to do
In Michigan, when an officer asks, you do have to provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Be polite and hand them over. That part is not optional.
What you do not have to do
You do not have to answer questions like where you are coming from, whether you have had anything to drink, or what is in the car. You can say, calmly, that you are going to remain silent. You also do not have to consent to a search. If an officer asks to search your car, you can say you do not consent to a search. They may search anyway, but you never have to give permission, and whether they had a lawful basis can matter a great deal later.
Stay calm, and do not argue on the roadside
The side of the road is not where a case is won. If the officer is wrong, the place to challenge that is in court, with a lawyer, not in an argument that can make things worse. Be respectful, assert your rights clearly, and save the fight for where it counts.
If it turns into a ticket or an arrest
Write down everything you remember as soon as you can, and talk to a lawyer before you decide how to handle it, whether it is a traffic ticket, a DUI, or a drug charge. A lot of cases have problems with the stop or the search that a defense attorney can use.
Do not face it alone. Call me at (248) 270-5979 or start a free case review, and let’s talk about your situation.
Attorney Advertising. This post is general information about Michigan law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship, and no result is ever guaranteed. Every case is different, so talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.
