If you are approached by a Kentucky police officer, there are several things to keep in mind. These issues are relevant if you have been pulled over in a traffic stop, or encountered a police officer on the street or at your front door. It is critical to remember that the things you say and do may affect the ultimate outcome of an interaction with police officers. You hopefully have a clear understanding of your rights and know where to seek support to defend them. If you believe that a law enforcement officer has committed a violation, such as unlawful search or seizure or excessive use of force, you may seek justice. Is it a conversation, detainment or arrest? In order to make informed decisions as to what you might say or do during an encounter with a Kentucky police officer, it is imperative that you know whether the encounter is merely a conversation, or whether the officer has detained you or is arresting you. A police officer is supposed to make his or her reason for the encounter clear if it is a detainment or arrest. If a police officer is having a conversation with you, you are not obligated to remain in his or her presence or to engage in the conversation. It is always best to ask if you are free to leave before doing so, because the answer will establish whether you are having a consensual encounter or are detained. Know your rights if an officer asks you to consent to a sobriety test or a search The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from having to answer questions under interrogation without the benefit of legal representation. The Fourth Amendment protects you against unlawful searches or seizures. You do not have to consent to a search of your vehicle or person. This doesn’t necessarily mean there will not be a search, only that you can voice non-consent. If a police officer asks you to take a field sobriety test, you do not have to comply. You are free to decline. You will want to remember, however, if you face DUI charges in court, the prosecutor will no doubt try to use the fact that you refused to take a sobriety test to incriminate you during the trial. Always remain calm during encounters with police Under any circumstances, if police officers approach you, start asking questions or pull you over in traffic, it is best to remain calm, even if you are nervous or afraid. Always remember that you may invoke your rights and that you may request legal support if you are taken into police custody. The post What to remember when stopped by police first appeared on Landon Law.
