What to do if you are pulled over while being a country music star

Note: the following is not legal advice. Table Rock Law is not representing Nathaniel Rateliff.

Nathaniel Rateliff made the news for allegedly speeding on Interstate 40 in Morganton, North Carolina. The incident happened on Wednesday night, September 27.

We have no information other than what was in the McDowell News article, but we have the following suggestions if you are ever pulled over for going 84 mph in a 65 mph zone on Interstate 40 in Morganton, NC, while being a country star:

Be Courteous

This doesn’t always get you out of a ticket. But it sets the tone for the officer to exercise any discretion he or she may have, in your favor.

Be Prepared

Keep your license, registration, and insurance information where you can easily find them. If operating a rental car, keep your rental contract accessible at all times.

Don’t say “Do you know who I am?”

We have no reason to believe Nathaniel Rateliff actually said this, but if you are in a similar situation, we advise you not to. Being a recognizable celebrity is a double-edged sword. And in addition to getting a citation, you may get your feelings hurt if they don’t, in fact, know who you are.

Don’t make any explanations or admissions of guilt

The correct answer to the age-old question “Do you know why I stopped you?” is always “No, officer, I don’t.” Avoid the tendency to elaborate, make excuses, or discuss with the officer what you think about why they stopped you. “I thought the speed limit was higher here” is not a valid defence in court. Answer direct questions that need to be answered (for example, “Is the address on your license current?”) courteously but in a concise way. For example, say “yes,” not “yes, but I stay with my folks here sometimes” or “yes, and I’m running late to a music festival.” Giving additional information is either a waste of time or worse, may lead to more questioning by the officer on topics like where you were going, what you are doing in the area, etc.

Save the arguments for the court date

Arguing with the officer on the side of the road is more likely to lead to them exercising less discretion, potentially adding more charges that they were initially inclined to overlook, and could even result in additional charges if you lose your temper. Again, we have no reason to believe Nathaniel Rateliff was anything less than courteous. Either time. Which leads to our final piece of advice:

Avoid speeding off from the first traffic stop

North Carolina state troopers often work in pairs. If a second patrol unit believes you are speeding or otherwise violating traffic laws immediately after being cited for allegedly speeding, they may exercise their discretion to actually arrest you. This may lead to you having to make bond of $500 or more before being released. If you are on your way to a concert where you are performing, this will make you even later, or could cause the concert to be cancelled if you don’t make it at all. On the plus side, it gives you a great story to tell on stage. But this can lead to thousands of dollars or even over a million in costs depending on ticket prices, the venue, and cancellation policies (Table Rock Law does not practice entertainment law, so we might not be able to assist you in this part of the problem.)

Practically all of the above advice still applies if you are not a famous country star. Especially the part about not saying “Do you know who I am?” Police officers hate that one. If you have received a traffic citation (or two), please contact Andrew Dennis for a no-obligation consultation. Don’t Get Too Close to your court date without making a plan to save license points, insurance cost, and possibly your license.

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