When a Massachusetts police officer flashes lights to pull you over in traffic, there is no way of knowing what the ultimate outcome of the situation might be. In between the time that you find a place to safely pull over and the conclusion of the traffic stop, a lot can happen. For example, if the police officer suspects you of OUI, he or she may ask you to step out of your vehicle, among other questions.
There are certain questions you must answer during a traffic stop. If the officer asks you to confirm your name or address, you must do so. You must comply with a request to provide proof of driver’s license, insurance and vehicle registration. What about other types of questions, however? Do you have to answer those?
Massachusetts police can ask whatever they want at an OUI stop
If police have pulled you over for suspected drunk driving, they might start asking a lot of questions. Besides confirming your identity and providing the documents mentioned in the previous section of this blog post, you do not have to answer additional questions. A patrol officer might ask you where you were or who you spent time with that evening. He or she might also ask you whether you consumed any alcoholic beverages.
You have a right to know the exact reason for your traffic stop. You do not have to provide information about your whereabouts, companions or what you were doing prior to the officer pulling you over. In fact, if you say that you did, in fact, consume alcohol, the next question is likely to be, “How much have you had to drink?” It is true that the police officer can and will use anything you say to incriminate you if you wind up getting arrested and charged with OUI.
Other types of encounters with police
In addition to suspected OUI, you may encounter a Massachusetts police officer in other situations, as well. One might knock on your door at home and start asking questions about a neighbor. The police may even approach you while walking down the street. Perhaps someone just robbed a nearby store. If police witness you in the vicinity, they may suspect you of being involved in the crime. In any case, you are not obligated to answer questions beyond those asked to confirm your identity, address or age.
Answering questions during an OUI stop can make matters worse
Many people mistakenly believe that engaging a police officer in conversation and answering whatever questions he or she asks during a traffic stop will make a positive impression that will work in their favor. In fact, the opposite is often true. You might say something in answer to a question that investigators or prosecutors can later use as evidence against you in court.
The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects your right to remain silent when police are asking you questions during an OUI stop or when they have detained you on the street or have shown up at your door. If you are arrested and charged with drunk driving or another crime, you are entitled to legal support and may invoke your Fifth Amendment rights until such support has been obtained.
