While spending time on the road in Alabama, there may come a time when a police officer pulls you over. It is often a stressful experience when a cop flashes their lights, especially if you are unsure of any laws you may have broken while operating the vehicle. If you want to prepare for the event, it is important to know your rights to ensure that they are respected by the authorities.
What are your rights if you’re pulled over?
If you are pulled over on the road, keep in mind that you have the right to remain silent. If you don’t feel comfortable answering questions about where you are traveling to or where you reside, you can inform the officer that you want to exercise your right to remain silent or contact a lawyer once you are under custodial interrogation. You don’t have to provide any information about your background, which includes if you’re a U.S. citizen or if you recently entered the country.
You can also communicate if you don’t consent to a search of your items in the vehicle. However, a police officer can still pat you down when looking for weapons you may be carrying.
Who can you contact for legal assistance?
If you feel that your legal rights were violated after you were pulled over by law enforcement, you may want to contact an attorney to obtain assistance in protecting your rights. A legal professional can contact any witnesses and assist you in submitting a complaint with the internal affairs division at the police department. The attorney can inform you of your rights and help you navigate the legal process.