Criminal Defense Attorney | Rochester, NY | James Nobles, Esquire

IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR

• Pull over to a safe area on the side of the road, turn off your car, and place both hands on the top of the steering wheel where they can be seen. Do not dig around in your car or glove box for paperwork until asked to do so. Only make slow, deliberate moves.
• When asked, show your drivers license, registration and proof of insurance.
• In certain cases your car can be searched without a warrant, as long as police have probable cause. To protect yourself later, you should make it clear that you do not consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search.
• If you are given a ticket, you should sign it; otherwise you can be arrested. You can always fight it in court later.
• If you are suspected of drunk driving (DWI) and refuse to take a test (breath, blood, urine or field sobriety), your drivers license may be suspended and you may be arrested. However, this is still the best course of action if you think you are over the limit, as failing a chemical or physical test will only help the prosecution's case.