Here’s 3 Steps If You Get Stopped By Police
Last year during a holiday gathering, a neighbor shared that she was making a 4 hour drive in the morning for traffic court.
A month earlier she was given a speeding ticket in a rural county almost 300 miles away. Everyone was speechless until she explained that one more conviction on her driving record would cause her driver’s license to be suspended.
Her job as a district manager for a major medical supply company made her driver’s license essential to her livelihood. She paid the fine by mail for the two previous tickets because she thought it wasn’t worth her time to go to court.
Since three moving violation convictions within a 12 month period mandate a suspension, she was forced to contest this one.
Someone suggested that an attorney might be of some assistance.
Weeks later, I learned that she was able to retain a local attorney from that area. She received court supervision in lieu of suspension, provided she could go 90 days without another moving violation.
However, it still cost a 9-hour round trip drive and $1,400.00 ($400 in lawyer fees and a $1,000.00 in court fines).
Here is where she went wrong. If you’re given the choice between court appearances, traffic school or pay fine by mail, paying by mail should never be an option because it’s goes against your record as a conviction. I always advise friends and family to request a court date.
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In court you can ask for supervision. You may still pay a fine, but if granted it won’t go against your driving record.
Also, there is always a chance that the officer does not make your court call and they can’t testify against you if they aren’t there. If that is the case and you plead not guilty, the judge has to dismiss your ticket.
Traffic school is also a better alternative if that is an option. Four to eight hours out of your week for class, along with school fees still keeps it off your record.
Keep these thoughts in mind the next time you receive a ticket. It just may save you a 9-hour drive and any fines associated with it.
And when you get stopped by the police, make sure you keep these 3 things in mind:
I. Be respectful, don’t speak first, and don’t speak with hostility: Getting smart with the cops doesn’t make things better. Think of the bigger picture. Settle your beef later on, when it’s safe. Also, you’re probably better off not volunteering any information, since many questions are designed to trap you into giving yourself up.
II. Don’t make any sudden moves and keep your hands on the steering wheel: Always ask and inform where you hands or body will be going or if you are reaching for something. Being a Black man already makes you suspicious in the eyes of some police officers. Don’t give them anymore reasons to get out of line.
III. Know The Law: There are different laws in different states and you should know where you stand. You have rights. Know them and then proceed cautiously.
Officer Bill Hawk is a policeman and his 30 years of experience on the force may help you save money and time when confronting these issues. Follow him at www.goodinsite.com.
