Emergency Quick Guide

Step 1 — Pull Over Safely

• Signal and pull over to the right side of the road as soon as it is safe
• Choose a well-lit, public location if possible
• Turn off the engine and roll down your window
• Turn on hazard lights and interior dome light if dark

Step 2 — Hands Visible

• Place both hands on top of the steering wheel at 10 and 2
• Do NOT reach for anything — wait for the officer to approach
• If you have passengers, ask them to keep their hands visible too

Step 3 — Be Polite, Provide ID

• Say: "Good evening, officer."
• When asked, say: "I'm reaching for my license in my back pocket now."
• Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance
• You are legally required to identify yourself during a traffic stop

Step 4 — Decline Questions & Searches

• If asked "Do you know why I stopped you?" — say: "No, officer, I don't."
• If asked where you're going — say: "I prefer not to answer that question."
• If asked to search your vehicle — say: "I do not consent to any searches."
• If the stop feels prolonged — say: "Am I free to go, or am I being detained?"

Step 5 — After the Stop

• Accept the ticket if issued — fight it in court later, not on the roadside
• Note the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car number
• Write down everything you remember as soon as possible
• Save your recording and do not edit it

Legal Basis: Rodriguez v. United States (2015) — Police cannot extend a traffic stop beyond its original purpose without reasonable suspicion. A stop that takes longer than necessary to issue a ticket may be unconstitutional.

Step 1 — Do NOT Open the Door

• You are NOT required to open your door for police without a warrant
• Speak through the closed door or a window
• Say: "How can I help you, officer?"
• Opening the door can be interpreted as an invitation to enter

Step 2 — Ask for a Warrant

• Say: "Do you have a warrant? If so, please slide it under the door."
• A valid warrant must be signed by a judge and list a specific address
• Read the warrant carefully — check the address, date, and what they can search for
• If they have a valid warrant, you must allow entry — do not resist

Step 3 — If They Don't Have a Warrant

• Say: "I do not consent to any entry or searches of my home."
• Repeat this clearly if they ask again or pressure you
• You do NOT have to answer their questions — invoke your right to remain silent
• If they claim they can "just get a warrant," let them — that is their problem

Step 4 — If They Enter Without a Warrant

• Do NOT physically resist — state your objection verbally
• Say: "I do not consent to this entry. I am not resisting, but I do not consent."
• Make sure your recording captures your verbal objection
• Any evidence obtained from an unlawful entry can be suppressed in court

Legal Basis: Payton v. New York (1980) — Police generally need a warrant to enter a home for arrest. Kentucky v. King (2011) — Officers cannot create exigent circumstances to justify a warrantless entry.

Step 1 — Do NOT Resist

• Keep your hands visible and follow all physical commands
• Say: "I am not resisting arrest."
• Do not pull away, push, or make sudden movements
• Resisting arrest is a separate criminal charge — even if the arrest is unlawful

Step 2 — Invoke Your Rights Immediately

• Say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
• Say: "I want to speak with an attorney before answering any questions."
• You must invoke these rights clearly and verbally — silence alone is not enough
• Once you invoke your right to an attorney, all questioning MUST stop

Step 3 — Do NOT Talk to Police

• Do NOT explain your side of the story to officers
• Do NOT try to talk your way out of it — anything you say WILL be used against you
• Do NOT sign anything without an attorney present
• Do NOT agree to any deal or plea without an attorney
• The only information you must give: your name (in most states)

Step 4 — At the Station

• You have the right to make a phone call — call an attorney or someone who can arrange one
• If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed (public defender)
• Repeat if questioned: "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want my attorney."
• Do NOT discuss your case with other inmates — they can be informants

Legal Basis: Miranda v. Arizona (1966) — You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Edwards v. Arizona (1981) — Once you request an attorney, police must stop all interrogation until one is present.

Step 1 — Refuse Consent Clearly

• The officer may say: "You don't mind if I take a look, right?"
• Say: "I do not consent to any searches of my vehicle."
• Say it clearly and repeat it if asked again
• You do NOT need to give a reason for refusing

Step 2 — Understand When They CAN Search

• Police can search your car without consent IF they have: probable cause, a warrant, or you are arrested (search incident to arrest)
• They can also search if contraband or evidence is in "plain view"
• They can pat down the car for weapons if they have reasonable suspicion you are armed
• Even if they search illegally, do NOT physically resist — challenge it in court

Step 3 — If They Search Anyway

• Say: "I do not consent to this search. I want this noted for the record."
• Do NOT physically block or interfere with the search
• Make sure your recording captures your objection
• Your attorney can file a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence

Step 4 — The Trunk & Locked Containers

• Officers generally need probable cause or a warrant to search your trunk
• Locked containers in the car (briefcases, lockboxes) require a warrant unless there is probable cause
• Do NOT open the trunk voluntarily — that is consent
• Say: "I do not consent to a search of my trunk or any containers in my vehicle."

Legal Basis: Schneckloth v. Bustamonte (1973) — Consent must be voluntary. Arizona v. Gant (2009) — Limited search incident to arrest in vehicles. United States v. Ross (1982) — Probable cause allows trunk search.

Step 1 — Stop at the Checkpoint

• DUI checkpoints are legal in most states (but not all — check your state)
• You must stop when directed by officers
• Roll down your window enough to communicate
• Have your license and registration ready

Step 2 — Answer Minimally

• You must provide your license and registration
• You do NOT have to answer "Have you been drinking?"
• Say: "I prefer not to answer questions."
• Stay polite and calm — hostility will escalate the situation

Step 3 — Field Sobriety & Breathalyzer

• You can refuse a field sobriety test (walk-and-turn, eye test) in most states — these are voluntary
• A portable breathalyzer (PBT) at the scene is usually voluntary
• A chemical test at the station (blood, breath, urine) may be required under "implied consent" laws
• Refusing the station test can result in automatic license suspension in most states
• Know your state's implied consent laws BEFORE you need them

Step 4 — Vehicle Searches at Checkpoints

• Checkpoints do NOT give officers the right to search your vehicle
• They still need probable cause or your consent
• Say: "I do not consent to any searches."
• If they see contraband in plain view, that is probable cause

Legal Basis: Michigan Dept. of State Police v. Sitz (1990) — DUI checkpoints are constitutional. City of Indianapolis v. Edmond (2000) — General crime-fighting checkpoints are NOT constitutional. States like Texas, Idaho, and others have banned DUI checkpoints under state law.

Step 1 — Determine If You're Being Detained

• Ask: "Am I free to go, or am I being detained?"
• If they say you are free to go — walk away calmly. Do not run.
• If they say you are being detained — stay and exercise your rights
• A "consensual encounter" means you can leave at any time

Step 2 — If You're Being Detained

• Police need "reasonable articulable suspicion" that you were involved in a crime
• You may be required to identify yourself in "Stop and ID" states (24 states)
• Beyond identification, say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
• You do NOT have to explain where you are going, where you have been, or what you are doing

Step 3 — Pat-Down / Frisk

• Police can do a "Terry frisk" (pat-down for weapons) if they reasonably believe you are armed
• A frisk is limited to the outside of your clothing, feeling for weapons only
• Say: "I do not consent to any searches, but I will not resist."
• They cannot reach into your pockets unless they feel something that is clearly a weapon
• Do NOT empty your pockets voluntarily

Step 4 — Duration of Detention

• A Terry Stop must be brief — typically 15-20 minutes maximum
• If the stop extends unreasonably, ask: "How much longer will this take? Am I free to go?"
• If they hold you longer, they need probable cause to arrest you
• Document the time the encounter began and ended

Legal Basis: Terry v. Ohio (1968) — Police may briefly stop and frisk a person with reasonable suspicion. Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial District Court (2004) — Stop-and-identify statutes are constitutional. Florida v. Royer (1983) — Detentions must be temporary and last no longer than necessary.