WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE? DO NOT make any sudden movements and stay in the vehicle. Be Polite. Give the officer the information they have asked for. If an officer asks to search your car, you have the right to refuse. They cannot hold you there for any longer than it takes to write a ticket, a warning, or to simply send you on your way. There are three ways they can legally search your vehicle. First, they have placed you under arrest. Second, they have probable cause to believe that either the fruits of a crime or some form of contraband is in your car. The final way is if you consent. If an officer becomes abusive during a stop, keep your cool and continue to act polite. You can notify the officers watch officer later. DO NOT threaten or act put out. I AM ABOUT TO SIGN A LEASE FOR A PLACE TO LIVE. WHAT SHOULD I DO? Before you enter into any contract, you must READ it. If you sign without reading it, you may have some very unhappy surprises awaiting you. I will gladly sit down and go over your lease for your apartment/dorm/house with you for $75. For students I charge $50.
I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER FOR DUI/DWI. WHAT SHOULD I DO? This an area of wide debate. Some attorneys say take the tests and others say do not. You have to weigh the plusses and minuses. In Illinois, if you are a first offender and do not take the breath test or field sobriety tests, you will have your license suspended for six (6) months. If you take the test and fail, you will be suspended for three (3) months. If you are a second time offender, and refuse to take the tests and fail, you will be suspended for one (1) year minimum. A second offender who refuses to take the tests will be suspended for three (3) years minimum. For first offenders, I recommend only taking the tests if you KNOW you are going to pass. As I said earlier, if you refuse, you will be suspended an additional three (3) months, but you may make it harder for you to be convicted for DUI/DWI. If you are a second time offender, I would generally recommend taking the tests as you are risking an extra two years of suspension if you refuse. If you refuse to take the tests, and the police place you under arrest, be polite and keep your cool. Also inform the officer you are not saying anything until your lawyer is present.
I HAVE BEEN ARRESTED FOR A (FILL IN THE BLANK). WHAT SHOULD I DO? Most people are not familiar with the criminal justice system. They think that the officer is their friend. He normally is, until he arrests you. Police are professionals. They know how to interogate a suspect. You may be confused and bewildered by what has happened to you. Keep your mouth shut. Do not try to tell them your side of the story. They may try to intimidate you or lie about test results. Keep your cool and be polite. The only thing you should say is," I WANT AN ATTORNEY."