Seattle Traffic Lawyer | A Cop's Perspective

Before I begin, don't let the title throw you off. I'm not going to give you a blow by blow of the Seattle police officer's thoughts as he approaches you and things like that. This is more of a "this is why they do what they do" type of post. And it's not about safety. Well, I guess it is, in a way. It's about keeping you safe from Seattle traffic ticket convictions.

First things first, no matter how nice the Seattle cop is when he approaches, no matter how engaging he is conversationally, he is not your friend, and he is not there to hang out. Always remember that the cop is there to bust you for something. Otherwise he wouldn't have pulled you over.

As a Seattle speeding ticket attorney I see it time and time again - my client becomes all chummy with the police and the next thing you know they are spilling their guts, or "telling it like it is." My client thinks everything is hunky dory until we're in trial and the cop, with the same pleasant attitude, details all of the statements the client made during the stop. Don't fall for the act.

Number two, which sounds a lot like number one, but is different, is that the cops are there to get as much information from you as possible, and they will switch gears to try to get what they want. To counter the cop's tricks, follow my rules for Seattle traffic stops:

1. Don't answer any questions - say "My attorney told me not to answer that," or with traffic stops, that you didn't know why you were pulled over.

2. Don't let the officer guilt you into answering his questions.

3. Don't take field sobriety tests or portable breath tests.

4. If arrested say these words - "I choose to remain silent and speak with my attorney."

5. Never consent to a search of anything - Just say no.

At some point you are going to be facing some serious pressure from the cops. Usually it comes in one of two or three forms. The first shot from the cop will be "I'm trying to help you out here, but I need to know what was going on." After you remain silent (you can just sit there and not say anything - it is awkward, but definitely okay), he's going to switch gears and try to guilt you into it. Typically it will be something like "if you don't have anything to hide you should have no problem talking to me (or letting me search your vehicle)."

After that he might switch gears again and say something like "if you don't talk it's just going to make it worse." My advice to you - don't believe the hype. All that is getting worse is his job of arresting you.

Let me explain why the cops are doing this (that's why you're at the Seattle Traffic Lawyer Blog right). For example, let's say you are pulled over in Seattle for a moving violation (what I mean is you didn't wreck into anyone and you weren't driving erratically). The cop comes up to you, and you've had a couple of drinks. He smells you, takes a look, and says, have you had anything to drink tonight. Right now it is time to shut your mouth. And here's why. First, smelling like alcohol is generally not enough information to arrest you for DUI - it is not, after all, illegal to drink and drive. It is only illegal to drive drunk. Second, the cop knows this, and that is why he is trying to get you to admit you were drinking, and more importantly, how much you were drinking.

In the end, the police are always trying to bust you (unless you called them for help, of course - and even then, be careful). It's what they do for a living. Don't fall victim to their tricks and talk to them about anything. You have Constitutional rights and you should exercise them. And if you're not sure what to do, just give your traffic lawyer a call. You have the right to speak with one (after you've been arrested). Take advantage of that.

Related Posts:

Seattle Traffic Lawyer | Another Dismissal

Seattle Traffic Attorney | Reckless Driving