Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Getting stopped by the police in Chicago — whether you’re walking down the street, driving through the city, or just hanging out with friends — can be intimidating. Your heart may start racing, your mind may go blank, and you might not be sure what to say or do. But how you handle the situation can make a big difference in the outcome. If you’re ever stopped by law enforcement in the city, here’s what you need to know to protect yourself legally and safely.
Stay Calm and Be Respectful
One of the most important things you can do during any police encounter is to stay calm. Keep your hands where officers can see them, avoid sudden movements, and don’t raise your voice. Whether or not you feel the stop is fair, resisting or acting aggressively will only make things worse. Many situations escalate unnecessarily when people argue or fail to cooperate during the initial moments of a stop. Remember, you can challenge the stop later with your attorney — but that doesn’t happen on the street.
