If you have been pulled over for suspicion of a DUI or any other crime, you will likely feel scared and confused. While many police are cooperative and explain why they are requesting certain bits of information, you may be scared of what can be held against you in a court of law. While it is important to always cooperate with what the police are asking, it is also important to know your rights. You can still be cooperative but refrain from providing specific information if you do not feel comfortable doing so. This is typically advised, especially when there is not a lawyer present.

The following are a few rules of thumb to remember if you are ever pulled over by the police:

• Stay calm.

There are many emotions that you may feel as you see the flashing red and blue lights in your rear view mirror. If you were in a hurry to get to an appointment or if you have a fear of what the police can do, you may experience some anxiety. It is important to stay as calm and cooperative as possible. This will prevent a situation from escalating.

• Do not consent to a search of your vehicle.

While you may not have anything to hide, consenting to a search of your vehicle can open up other avenues to them finding information that you may not realize. Instead, ask that they obtain a warrant first so that you can have a court monitored search and seizure of your belongings. Before the search begins, ask to see the warrant. On it, you will see the exact places the police have the right to search. This can prevent them from diving into your personal information on your computer or in your house, as they can with a verbal consent.

• You have the right to remain silent.

While you should always remain cooperative, you do not have an obligation to answer all of the questions the police ask. If you do not feel comfortable answering a specific question, especially if it does not pertain to anything in your case or the reason you were pulled over, you are able to respectfully decline their request.

• Reach out to a lawyer for help.

You have the right to request help from a professional. By reaching out to a lawyer for help on your case, you will have time to calm down and the reassurance that their guidance will help prove your innocence.

If you are ever in doubt about how to handle a situation with the police, always use your right to request an attorney. Reach out to the Law Offices of William Fay, for example, for expert help in handling your case before opening yourself up for a search and/or questioning by law enforcement.

Author Bio: To Jim, writing is everything. The topic he most enjoys writing about is legal issues. If you’d like more information regarding Law offices of William Fay, please visit http://www.williamfay.com/