What Do I Do if Illinois Police Pull Me Over?

 Posted on June 29, 2024 in Criminal Defense

For many individuals, being pulled over by a police officer for a traffic stop is a tense situation. It can be hard to know how to act and what to say when a police officer pulls you over, and this is only made worse if a routine traffic stop turns into an arrest for a serious violation. If you are pulled over by Illinois police, it is important to understand your legal rights. An experienced Illinois traffic violations defense attorney can further answer your questions.

How to Act During an Illinois Traffic Stop

When you are pulled over by law enforcement, you should use the following tips for how to act during a traffic stop. These tips can keep you safe and ensure that you do not accidentally offer up information that could potentially be used against you.

During an Illinois traffic stop, you should:

• Pull over as soon as possible into a safe area; if there is no safe stopping area immediately available, slow down and put your blinker on to indicate to the law enforcement officer that you will be stopping.

• Keep your hands visible, turn your car’s engine off, and ask any passengers in your car to remain quiet. Wait for the officer to approach your vehicle before rolling down your window to speak with him or her.

• Give the officer your information upon request, such as your driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. You are legally obligated to give this information to the officer.

• Avoid admitting guilt, apologizing, making excuses, or making up stories about where you came from or where you were going. All of these things can be used against you in the case of an arrest, and you do not want to accidentally incriminate yourself or make things legally challenging.

• Comply with the officer as needed. If you are asked to get out of the car, do so, and if the officer hands you a ticket, you need to sign it. Signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt, but refusing to sign could be grounds for an arrest.

Should I Call a Lawyer After Being Pulled Over?

Traffic violations can land on your criminal record and affect your eligibility for employment, certain types of housing, and even loans. It is important to contact a lawyer after being pulled over, especially if an arrest was made during a traffic stop, to understand what your next steps should be.

Your lawyer will help craft a defense for you and ensure you are informed of your legal rights, in addition to looking for errors that law enforcement officers may have made during your traffic stop that can help with your case.

Contact a Naperville, IL Traffic Violations Defense Attorney

Traffic stops are high-stress situations, and you may receive a ticket or an arrest during a traffic stop. If you have been charged with any kind of Illinois traffic violation, you need to contact a skilled Naperville, IL traffic violations defense lawyer for help with your legal options.

Attorney Nathe understands the criminal process from the perspective of both the prosecution and the defense, and he will provide you with dedicated representation against an Illinois traffic violation charge. Contact the Law Office of Philip R. Nathe at 630-416-7600 for a free consultation.