Remaining silent is often a wise approach to take when pulled over by a police officer. Though providing a driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration may be necessary, everyone has the right to remain silent when asked questions by an officer. Of course, many people feel nervous during a traffic stop or even forget that they have this right, so they may answer questions that put them in a difficult situation, even having drug charges brought against them.
One woman in Ohio likely wishes she had invoked her right to remain silent after recently being taken into custody. According to reports, the woman was driving a vehicle, and an officer stopped her for an undisclosed equipment violation. The report stated that the woman admitted to having prescription medication in her vehicle without a prescription. It was unclear whether this information came due to a question from the officer or from the driver otherwise volunteering the information.
The officer used this information as probable cause to conduct a search of her vehicle, and the officer allegedly found Percocet as well as other prescription pills. As a result, the woman was taken into custody and is facing felony drug possession charges. It was also noted that she was driving on a suspended license, so she received citations for that offense and the equipment violation.
Remembering one’s rights when interacting with police can go a long way in avoiding a serious predicament. Of course, even after a person is placed under arrest, the right to remain silent still applies as does that right to an attorney. This Ohio woman may want to take the time to gain reliable information regarding the specific drug charges she faces to determine how she may best handle the case moving forward.