Legal Question in Traffic Law in Michigan

Do you have the right to know why you're being pulled over?

A police officer pulled me over alleging I had run a red light. I clearly didn't. I made a full stop at the intersection and pulled off at the green with other drivers. When I rolled down my window to ask why I was being stopped, he disregarded my question twice and insisted then that the only right I had was to give me what he was asking for -driver's liscense, registration, insurance. After I started looking for it in my purse, he then proceeds to tell me why I was stopped. I had no reason to run the light, it was 8pm, raining pretty hard, and I had a doughnut on my car from a flat ealier in the day, and my 2 kids (9 and 11)were fastened in the back seat. I thought his charge was trumpt up and now I'm going to court. The judges always seem to take the cops side, but I feel so cheated. I was upset on site, but I did what he said, behaived and took the ticket. But I clearly did not run the light. Had I acted that nasty with him I'd have been face down on the pavement. Don't they have to tell you WHY they're pulling you over WHEN you ask why first?


Asked on 4/19/04, 5:32 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Eric I. Kutinsky THE MICHIGAN LEGAL TEAM, P.C.

Re: Do you have the right to know why you're being pulled over?

It is understandable why you are upset. I see it all the time. Please realize that we can help. Feel free to call my office for a free consultation. Eric I. Kuitinsky, Esq. (248) 737-7000

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Answered on 4/19/04, 9:48 pm
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: Do you have the right to know why you're being pulled over?

"Don't they have to tell you WHY they're pulling you over WHEN you ask why first?"

The short answer is NO! However, a prosecutor may be interested in giving you a break if you request a formal (not an informal) hearing.

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Answered on 4/19/04, 10:40 pm


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