What you should avoid saying to a police officer when pulled over

Everyone knows that they have the right to remain silent when they are under arrest, but many people choose to talk so they seem cooperative in the eyes of the law. The truth is that the things you say really can backfire on you when you do not yet have legal counsel to advise you.

When a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of drug crimes or impaired driving, the only information you must say aloud is your name. By knowing the kinds of things you should especially avoid saying, you can protect yourself from wrongful charges later in the process.

Admitting guilt

Even if you do not outright plead guilty, a slip of the tongue can still come across as an admission of guilt. If you say, “I didn’t know what I was doing was a crime,” for example, can convey that you are indeed guilty of that action regardless of ignorance.

Allowing a search

If a police officer decides to arrest you on the side of the road, they might seek your consent to search the interior of your vehicle. While you might think that you are making a gesture of good faith by agreeing, this can be to your detriment. You may have nothing to hide, but offering consent eliminates your opportunity to claim that the officer is guilty of an unlawful search in court.

When dealing with the law, it is crucial that you never underestimate the importance of your right to remain silent. Until a lawyer is present, it is better to say the bare minimum even if you feel uncomfortable doing so.