Police check? What a lawyer would advise you

Police stops can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know exactly how to react. But don’t worry, a lawyer will give you valuable tips on how you should behave so as not to get into unnecessary trouble. Whether it’s drunk driving, medication or fast driving – the motto is: Tant pis, but it’s better not to say anything! Here you will find out why silence is golden and what legal tricks you should use to protect your nerves and your driving license.

3 important facts first:

• Silence is golden: If you are stopped by the police and especially if you suspect that you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is better not to say anything. Your statements could later be used against you.
• Calculate back per mille: If you consumed alcohol a few hours ago, the blood alcohol levels can be recalculated. That’s why it’s important not to give exact dates for alcohol consumption.
• Taking medication: During a check-up, do not state that you have taken any medication, otherwise you could face a medical-psychological examination (MPU).

The risks of driving under the influence

The legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol

If you drive under the influence and get caught, you can face significant consequences. In addition to fines and points in Flensburg, there is the possibility that your driver’s license will be confiscated. The consequences are particularly serious if you are involved in an accident and injuries or even death occur. Therefore, you should always keep in mind that the risk is not only financial, but also puts your freedom and other lives at risk.

per mille can be calculated back

Have you ever heard of recalculating blood alcohol levels? If you think you can get away from the police by saying you had been drinking hours ago, then you are underestimating their resources. The authorities can calculate your blood alcohol concentration and find out how much alcohol you had in your blood at the time of the test. So don’t even try to obscure the truth; it could only end up worse for you.

The back calculation method is based on the fact that alcohol is constantly broken down in the body. This degradation typically occurs at a rate of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 per mille per hour. By using simple math and taking into account the time that has passed since your last drink, the police can pretty much figure out how drunk you really were. So, be aware of this and think twice before picking up the keys.

What to do during a police stop

Don’t talk too much

A police stop is not a meeting for a chat. The less you say, the better. No matter how nice or understanding the officers seem, any information you reveal can later be used against you. So, keep your stories for the regulars’ table.

Don’t admit anything

One of the most important rules during a police stop: Don’t admit anything. No matter whether it’s drinking alcohol, taking medication or simply driving too fast – stay silent. Any confession can get you into serious trouble.

It may be tempting to tell the truth, especially if you believe that honesty is the best policy. But this is the wrong approach. Officers are trained to obtain confessions. Remain calm and objective and avoid making any comments about your ability to drive or your driving behavior. Your lawyer will thank you later.

Dealing with allegations

Stay calm and be silent

If you are accused by the police, it is important to remain calm and not say anything. Avoid appearing nervous or panicking. Remember that you have the right to remain silent and not testify against yourself. Lawyers often advise not to let the facts slip. Silence is not only golden here, but may also be your saving anchor in the moment of police control.

Don’t try to bribe the police

It may be tempting to try to “fix” the situation somehow, but don’t be tempted to make an “offer” to the officials. Bribery is a serious offense and can land you in additional legal trouble. Remain polite but firm in your stance and let the officers do their job.

Never try to bribe the police. Not only could this make the situation worse, but it usually immediately leads to further legal difficulties. Officers are trained to recognize such attempts and respond accordingly. No matter how desperate you are or how much you want to avoid control, such an action can lead to a misunderstanding at best and an arrest at worst.

Medication and driving

The risks of taking medication before driving

Taking medication before driving can significantly affect your driving safety. Many prescription and even over-the-counter medications have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or delayed reaction times, which can severely limit your ability to drive. Even if you have only taken small doses, it can be enough to affect your driving behavior and make you a risk to yourself and other road users.

How to respond to questions about taking medication

If the police ask you about taking medication during a traffic stop, it is often best not to provide any information. The principle also applies here: silence is golden. The less you say, the less your statements can be interpreted disadvantageously later in a trial. A confession about taking medication could lead to an order for a medical-psychological examination (MPU).

The difficulty lies in finding a balance between cooperation and self-protection. While you should appear friendly during the inspection, it is advisable not to provide detailed information that could later be used against you. You have the right to refuse to testify and to consult a lawyer. In stressful situations, people often tend to talk too much – make sure to stay calm and not reveal unnecessary information.

What to say during an alcohol test?

The importance of silence

Silence is golden, especially during an alcohol test. The less you say, the better – that’s the key. Every remark, no matter how small, can be used against you. Your lawyer would advise you not to say anything, as this will prevent you from becoming entangled in contradictions or inadvertently incriminating yourself. Just stay silent and leave the questions unanswered.

No excuses or lies

Nothing leads to trouble faster than half-baked excuses or lies. The police have more experience solving such cases than you think. Don’t even try to convince the officials with flimsy stories – that usually only leads to more trouble. Just stay quiet and don’t make false statements.

Trying to lie or excuse your way out of an affair rarely ends well. Instead, it often makes things worse. Officers are trained to spot inconsistencies in statements and use that information against you. If you engage in false statements, you may face additional penalties. So, just stop making excuses and follow your lawyer’s advice: Silence is golden.

How do you respond to allegations from the police?

Stay calm and collected

No matter how unfair the accusations seem, it is crucial to remain calm and collected. Hectic or aggressive reactions will only make the situation worse and may even lead to misunderstandings that work against you. Your goal should be to maintain control and not give officers a reason to continue applying pressure.

Don’t become defensive or aggressive

Behaving defensively or aggressively will only make the situation worse and may cause police officers to take harsher action. Your goal should be to act de-escalatively – i.e. to remain calm and polite.

If you become defensive or aggressive, this can easily be interpreted as an admission of guilt or inappropriate behavior. In a situation like this, it’s all about damage control – you want to resolve the matter as quickly and easily as possible without the situation getting worse. Remember that you have the right to remain silent and to call a lawyer. Make the most of these rights to protect yourself from further complications.

Can you talk your way out of a traffic ticket?

The limits of police discretion

Police officers have a certain amount of discretion when it comes to minor offenses, but this freedom has clear limits. Particularly in the case of more serious violations such as drunk driving or speeding, they often have to act strictly according to the law. So it doesn’t help much to press the tear duct or try to explain yourself in verbose terms.

Do not attempt to bribe or intimidate the police

Attempts at bribery, threats or intimidation must be strictly avoided and can significantly worsen the situation. The police are trained to recognize such attempts immediately and will take tougher action. Bribery or intimidation are serious crimes that can make your problem significantly worse.

It may seem tempting to improvise and resort to bribery or intimidation in an unpleasant situation such as a police stop. However, this only gets you into more trouble. Instead, you should remain respectful and calm, answer the questions as briefly and precisely as possible and, if necessary, exercise your right to remain silent. Your lawyer will be able to help you better later if you follow the rules.

Acknowledgment of guilt

The consequences of admitting guilt

If you admit to the police that you were driving, you step into a minefield of possible consequences. This can range from hefty fines to driving license revocation to medical-psychological examinations (MPU). Things get particularly tricky if you also drove under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In such cases, a court hearing may follow where you will have to answer to a judge.

When to Admit Driving Under the Influence

In principle, you should never admit to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs until you have sought legal advice. Even if your blood alcohol level can be recalculated or you took the medication hours ago, silence remains the golden rule in a police stop. Otherwise, your own words could become your undoing faster than you get rid of the alcohol.

However, there are very rare exceptional cases in which an admission of guilt might make strategic sense, particularly if a detailed defense can be mounted to mitigate the punishment or even avoid a conviction. But think of these cases as the unicorns of the legal world – rare and often only useful in special, legally complicated scenarios. Always consult an attorney before making a decision.

In court

Preparing for the court date

Preparing for a court date is crucial. Collect all relevant documents and evidence. If you have an attorney, discuss the strategy in detail and clarify any uncertainties before entering the courtroom. Remember that a clean and well-groomed appearance also leaves a good impression.

What to expect during the process

Going to court can seem intimidating, but it helps to know what to expect. The judge will present the case and both the prosecution and defense will present their arguments. Remain calm and answer questions clearly and precisely. Avoid unnecessary explanations and stick to the facts.

During the trial, the prosecution will attempt to prove your guilt. Your lawyer will do everything in his power to refute these claims and sow doubt. As a defendant, you have the right not to testify against yourself. Take the opportunity to present your point of view, but always remain respectful and factual. Having a good lawyer on your side can be crucial to effectively representing your interests.

Additional tips and reminders

• Always remain calm and respectful during a police stop.
• Do not provide any voluntary information that could incriminate you.
• Keep documents such as driving licenses and vehicle registration documents handy.
• Safety comes first – drive certified summer or winter tires.

Do not drive under the influence of alcohol

Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The consequences are not just legal – you are also endangering your own life and that of other road users. Always be responsible and plan ahead if you want to drink.

Always wear a seat belt

Always wear your seat belt. Not only is it required by law, it can save your life in the event of an accident. There is no excuse to skip this simple, life-saving step.

Your seat belt is one of the most important safety features in your vehicle. According to a study, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of serious injury in an accident by up to 45%. So you should never drive without your seatbelt, no matter how short the distance. Be smart and always buckle up – your life could depend on it.

Police check? That’s the lawyer’s advice

In the event of a police stop, you should always remember that silence is golden. Especially if you suspect you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Attorney Thompson recommends not disclosing any unnecessary information or letting yourself be baffled. A simple “I exercise my right to refuse to testify” is enough to avoid possible legal pitfalls. Remember that any thoughtless statement could be your downfall later. So, be calm, friendly and above all silent – this is your best protection.