Most people are flustered and maybe even confused when they are pulled over for a traffic infraction by a police officer. They may be unsure of what to say and inadvertently give out incriminating information.
Here are a few things you should avoid saying when stopped by law-enforcement, and how to get comprehensive legal advocacy when you want to keep your driving record clean or avoid getting additional points on your license.
“I Didn’t See ____”
Often, a person’s first instinct after being pulled over for a traffic violation is to say that they didn’t see something, such as a traffic light, a stop sign, or another vehicle. However, you are responsible for maintaining awareness of these things on the road. Admitting that you failed to do so it’s unlikely to be beneficial for your case.
“I Was On My Phone”
Texting and driving is illegal in every state in the US. Admitting that you were on your phone and that it caused you to commit a traffic infraction or get into a motor vehicle accidents essentially admits guilt. Not only can you receive a ticket for driving while distracted, if you caused an accident that harmed someone else, you could also be sued in civil court.
“My Car’s ____ Isn’t Working”
The law considers you holy responsible for maintaining the safety of your vehicle. The last thing you want to do is admit to a police officer that pulled you over that you not only know that there’s something wrong with your car but also that you chose to drive it with the understanding that it could be dangerous to other motorists on the road.
You may be tempted to suggest that your vehicle speedometer wasn’t working or that you knew your tail light was out but just haven’t gotten a chance to get it fixed yet. Your best course of action here is to decline any knowledge of any safety issues with your vehicle and avoid answering any questions without the presence of an attorney.
How to Avoid Getting Points on Your Georgia Driver’s License
While you may assume that your best option is to just pay the fine associated with your traffic ticket, this amounts to pleading guilty and adds points to your Georgia driver’s license.
After accumulating so many points within a particular time, your driver’s license may be suspended. Contact the Kimbrel Law Firm today by calling (770) 349-9219.