Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Texas

Traffic Stop Questions

I was pulled over recently for allegedly running a stop sign. It was around 1am and I was coming from a movie going home. I am a white male, in a nice car in a nice neighborhood with my son in the car.

When he approached the car he asked for my license and insurance, I gave it to him.

He then asked me ''why did you run the stop sign'' and I sat their quietly. He got very angry and asked me the same question several times. I told him I did not want to answer the question and he got very mad and threatened to take me to jail.

After that he asked ''where are you coming from''. I sat quietly again and he opened my door, started telling me I was going to jail and my kid into custody.

My question is do I legally have to answer him?

I feel I was harassed and forced into answering these questions.


Asked on 7/04/07, 3:26 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Roger Evans Mathis & Donheiser

Re: Traffic Stop Questions

While you do not have to answer the questions of a law enforcement officer, if you fail to do so you may reasonably cause further suspicion and possible grounds for arrest. It's hard to imagine why one would refuse to answer a question as simple as that posed to you.

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Answered on 7/04/07, 10:59 am
Donald McLeaish McLeaish&Associates;, P.C.

Re: Traffic Stop Questions

Either answer or go to jail...it is not like being accused of a felony. Too many people say "it's not legal" but you only PROVE it's not legal in court..and do you have that much extra money laying around?

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Answered on 7/04/07, 11:24 am


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