How To Answer 3 Trick Questions From Michigan Cops
If you haven't been pulled over in Michigan while driving, consider yourself lucky. There are speed traps, unmarked police vehicles, cameras and other ways for the police to know when you are breaking the law. When you get pulled over, what will happen in Michigan?
Anytime I've been pulled over, and there have been plenty of times, I panic. It's been that way since the first time I was pulled over when I was 16. My parents found out that I got a speeding ticket that evening because their friends had a police scanner and called them to give them the play by play from the scanner. I also answered one of the first questions the police officer asked me and that set the tone for my ticket.
Being street smart is better than book smart, knowing some of the trick questions that cops ask you in Michigan and the appropriate responses could help you avoid fines and more. Pay attention, these three questions and the answers will come in handy in Michigan.
What is the police officers priority when they pull you over in Michigan?
White Law calls it straight!
From the moment you’re pulled over, an officer’s number one priority is to gather evidence and build a case against you.
I respect and support Michigan police officers, they are not on duty to be our friends. It's work. Once the police officer has pulled you over they will approach your car and begin gathering evidence. They will ask trick questions while doing it.
What are some of the trick questions?
Trick Questions Michigan Cops Will Ask You When You Get Pulled Over
I'm honest, I've sold myself out in the past. White Law says:
This question initially seems normal; an officer of the law wants you to recognize the thing you did wrong. Unfortunately, this classic traffic stop opening is a trick question that’s meant to catch drivers off guard before they have time to remember their fifth amendment rights. If people answer the question and suppose why officers pulled them over, their answers could be used against them in a court of law. For example, if someone were to say, “because I ran a red light,” the cop now has a stated confession from the accused. This kind of confession will not result in an automatic conviction, but it’s not good for the defendant’s case.
The best answer would be, "No I do not".
What does that matter? If you ever bought some weed from someone you're answer was probably "I don't know" or "I forgot". White Law explains why it's a trick question:
This question seems innocent, but it’s a critical part of the investigative process. Officers want to know where people are coming from so they can draw conclusions about their whereabouts. Suppose an officer has a hunch that someone is intoxicated, if the person says they are coming from brunch, a bar, or a club, you can now expect the cop to be on high alert. Historically speaking, having a cop think you’re guilty isn’t good for your case or your traffic stop.
If you're driving late in the evening and came from Target, tell the officer that. If you came from a club or a bar do not tell them that as explained above.
The answer is NO. White Law explains:
Many people believe cops can search cars during traffic stops, but that’s only semi-true. Cops can only search vehicles during traffic stops when they establish probable cause.
In short, no probable cause, no possession search.