WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE

My first advice is to be polite. Under no circumstances are you to talk to the police without me being present. Politely hand the officer my card and request that the officer contact me. Do not be rude or threatening to the officer. Do not get into an argument with the officer, if he says you were speeding and you know you were not just be polite and say, “Officer I do not believe I was speeding.� Do not escalate this encounter by your conduct. Your tone, choice of words, and body language makes a difference.

If the officer attempts to stop you in a car at night, immediately slow down and turn on your right turn signal. Pull over to your first right if a street or parking lot is immediately available; otherwise pull safely off onto the shoulder of the road. Be sure your vehicle is completely off the roadway. Remain in your car unless otherwise directed by the officer. Turn on the interior lights of your vehicle and remove the keys from your ignition. Send the officer the message that you are not a threat, nor will you attempt to pull off and drive away. The officer will likely approach your vehicle and ask you or proof of registration, license and insurance. Politely provide this information when requested. Do not argue with the officer. Input my cell number on your speed dial of your phone and call my cell so that it can record your encounter with the police. Do not permit the officer to search your vehicle or home without a search warrant. Do not make any statements to the officer. Remind your passengers to be polite to the officer. If you are arrested the officer will search you and the interior of your car for drugs or weapons. Do not admit to possession of either. Be polite.

If you are charged with a DUI offense, remember that Kentucky law implies your consent as a licensed driver to a test of your blood, breath and urine. If you refuse to submit to a test as requested by the officer, the Court will order the pretrial suspension of your driver's license. If you are a multiple DUI offender and you refuse the officer's request for a blood, breath and urine test you will be subject to a mandatory jail sentence which is twice as long as you would face if you submitted to the requested tests. The officer may request that you submit to all three tests; you do not get to choose which test to take. If you submit to the tests requested by the officer you still have a legal right to an independent blood test by a qualified person of your choosing within a reasonable period of time. You must pay for your independent test.