Being pulled over by the police is a very stressful experience. The fear and adrenaline can make you shaky and scramble your mind a little, whether you’ve done anything wrong or not. But whether you’re being pulled over for a simple traffic violation, or something bigger, what you say and do once you’re pulled over can have a major effect on future legal proceedings. So take a deep breath, and use these tips from criminal defense attorney Garrett Ogata to ensure that things go as well as they possibly can.

When you see a police car behind you with its lights flashing or the siren blaring, pull your car over as quickly and safely as possible. Some people believe that pulling over is an admission of guilt, but it is not. It just indicates that you are paying attention to your surroundings–something that will be a point in your favor if they’re pulling you over on suspicion of driving under the influence.

If you drive for too long or don’t reduce your speed, the officer may try to claim that you’re “fleeing the scene” or attempting to “resist arrest”, advises Garrett Ogata.

It’s also important to pull over as soon as you notice the police officer so you’ll be near the site of the supposed traffic violation. You’ll want to take note of the speed limit in the area, as well as the conditions of the road, etc. in case you need the information for later legal proceedings.

If there is no shoulder on the road, you are in a completely dark and deserted area, or it is otherwise unsafe to pull over, put on your emergency lights, slow down, and pull over when you find a safe place to do so. If possible, pull over on the right side of the road. When you pull over, pull over as far to the right as possible so the officer won’t be in the direct line of traffic.

Roll down your window and put your hand on the wheel where the officer can see them. If it’s dark, turn your interior light on, suggests Garrett Ogata. This is a courtesy to the officer that could keep you both safe from misunderstandings.

You should also wait to look for your license and registration, etc. until the officer asks for them. This advice is twofold, says Garrett Ogata. First, the officer may only be pulling you over to tell you about a broken tail light or to ask you to leave an area that’s being closed for police business. Second, you’re rummaging could be seen as reaching or searching for a weapon. So just remain calm and leave your hands where they can be seen.