Interacting with a police officer can be nerve-wracking, whether on the road or in the police station. You do not understand what the proper thing to say in specific situations is and may end up saying something that worsens your situation. While we recommend people to keep calm and talk to the police in a relaxed tone, it is not suggested to say things that agitate the police.
When dealing with the police, it is crucial to think thrice before saying anything to them. Speaking with a criminal defence lawyer Vancouver can give you an idea of what is okay and what is not. Meanwhile, here are a few things that you should never say to a police officer.
Things to never say to a police officer
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“Do you know who I am?”
It does not matter who you are. You can have strong government or law enforcement connections, but it still does not give you the right to speak like that to a police officer. The law is above and is the same for everyone. If a police officer pulls you over and catches you red-handed, they have the right to interrogate or arrest you no matter your status. Many think this sentence will scare an officer into letting them go, but all it does is aggravate the situation.
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“Yes, you can search my car.”
The police cannot search you, your car, or your house without probable cause, reasonable suspicion, or a search warrant. Therefore, when they ask you for a search, you have the right to refuse them. However, you lose all your rights if you say yes to the search. Even if you think you did nothing wrong and there is no criminal evidence that they can find, it is still better to play safe and use your rights as long as you have them.
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“I have only had two beers.”
If you get pulled over by the police for a DUI and defend yourself by telling this sentence, you are the only one to destroy yourself. First of all, police officers are trained individuals that know the difference between two beers and five gallons of alcohol. Secondly, telling them that you have only had two beers is admitting guilt, which gives them probable cause to arrest you.
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“My taxes pay your salary.”
The police officer is only doing their job, and it is disrespectful to insult them using these types of belittling sentences. Yes, your taxes are used to pay the law enforcement, but that does not give you or anyone any power over police officers. Saying that you pay their bills will not fix anything for you.
If you have ever said one of these sentences to a police officer by mistake, you are not alone. Many people make the same mistake and then suffer from strict legal action. If you are in legal trouble, immediately contact a lawyer in Vancouver.
