First remain calm and remember the police officer is just doing his job. It is best to make no sudden movements that may alert an officer as a possible danger sign. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and be prepared to present your driver's license and proof of insurance when asked. It has been said that when an officer has stopped a vehicle they already have it in their mind whether or not they will issue a ticket or just a warning.

State Law requires you to pull over to the right side of the road and stop when signaled to do so by a police officer-whether the officer is in a police car or on foot. Being pulled over may cause anxiety for both you and the police officer. Your anxiety may be caused by the fear of getting a ticket or because you are not sure why you are being stopped.

If you are pulled over or stopped by an officer and he begins to question you about your drinking or asks you to perform any tests, you should immediately ask to call an attorney. The Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod, P.C. provides a 24-hour help line that will be answered within minutes of your call and to assure you that you are aware of all of your constitutional rights that apply to the investigation before you submit to anything that may possibly be incriminating.

There are many different reasons you could have been contacted by a police officer. Some examples are: speeding, weaving in and out of your lane, having tinted windows, having expired registration tags, missing a front license plate, being in an accident, etc??? Someone could have also reported seeing you driving erratically to the police, or leaving a bar, restaurant, or party under the influence and getting behind the wheel of a car.

You are not required to answer potentially incriminating questions. A polite "I would like to speak with an attorney before I answer any questions" is a good reply. On the other hand, admitting that you had one or two beers is not incriminating: it is not sufficient to cause intoxication -- and it may explain the odor of alcohol on the breath. No. However, you are not required by Missouri law to submit to field sobriety exercises.

You may have witnessed a crime and the police may seek your assistance in identifying a person involved. If you are stopped by the police, you should make every effort to be cooperative, and you can expect the officer to be courteous in return. Our officers know that most people do not want to be stopped by the police, and they understand that you may feel some degree of anxiety if you are stopped. Keep in mind however, the officer who stops you may be feeling a high level of anxiety too.

If stopped by police on suspicion of DUI, Alabama law states that you are required to give the officer your name and address and are required to produce your driver's license, your automobile registration, and written proof of mandatory liability insurance. You do not have to answer questions about activities, however, including whether or not you have consumed any alcohol.

You are not required to answer potentially incriminating questions. A polite "I would like to speak with an attorney before I answer any questions" is a good reply.