Q
What should I do if the police ever stop or question me?
A I will tell you what I tell all of my friends. First, you need to put yourself in the right frame of mind. Stay as calm as possible and be polite with the officer(s). You will only agitate and anger the officers if you become hostile or confrontational. However, while being polite, you also need to be verbally assertive when it comes to your rights. If the officer asks you if he can search you, your personal belongings, your vehicle, or your residence, you should tell him “no” and that you will not consent to any search. If the officer tells you that he just wants to ask you some questions, tell him politely that on advice of your attorney that you will not answer any questions, and moreover, inform the officer that you would like your attorney present for any questioning as well. Things are a little trickier for DUI investigations because a refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test can result in a mandatory license suspension. In that situation, you still should politely refuse to answer any questions and refuse to engage in the field sobriety tests (such as the walk the line and counting tests).