Thom Roddy – September 23, 2024

In April 2024, BlackwaterReports.org revised its policy on publishing arrest reports. That change was published and can be found here. This report follows this policy change.

On September 12, 2024, a Currituck County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested a Corolla resident for Driving While Impaired (DWI) in the 500 block of Meadow Land. The individual identified on the arrest report listed his employment as a commercial driver in Corolla. All persons arrested are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Because of the nature of this person’s employment, we contacted their employer for comment. Unfortunately, the owner jumped to many unfounded assumptions about the likely contents of this report and responded to the attack.

This report focuses not on Parker or his employer but on the information he provided to the arresting officer. In our weekly review of the Sheriff’s Office arrest reports, we’ve observed a trend of individuals voluntarily disclosing information about their employment—information that is not legally required. This data often finds its way into arrest reports accessed by the media.

Our intent is not to complicate law enforcement’s job; officers know the legal requirements they can enforce. However, the average citizen may not fully understand their rights or when they are violated.

In North Carolina, if pulled over by law enforcement, there are specific legal obligations regarding what you must provide:

Required to Provide:

• Driver’s License: If requested, you must show a valid driver’s license.
• Vehicle Registration: You must provide the vehicle’s registration upon request.
• Proof of Insurance: Valid proof of insurance for your vehicle is required.

Basic Interaction Requirements:

• Pull Over Safely: When signaled, you must pull over to a safe location as soon as possible.
• Remain in the Vehicle: Unless instructed otherwise, it is advisable to remain in your vehicle with your hands visible, preferably on the steering wheel.
• Be Polite and Cooperative: While you are not obligated to answer all questions, maintaining a polite demeanor can help calm the situation.

What You Are Not Required to Provide:

• Beyond Basic Identification: You are not obligated to answer questions about your activities, such as your destination or past whereabouts.
• Consent to a Search: You can politely decline a request to search your vehicle if the officer does not have a warrant or probable cause.
• Self-Incriminating Information: The Fifth Amendment protects you from answering questions that could incriminate you.

Additional Considerations:

• If You Are Armed: North Carolina allows open carry. You must inform the officer if you have a firearm in your vehicle. If you have a concealed carry permit, present that documentation and indicate the weapon’s location.
• DUI Checkpoints or Suspicion: An officer may request a field sobriety test or breathalyzer if suspected of driving under the influence. North Carolina’s implied consent laws mean that by driving, you consent to a chemical test if lawfully arrested for DUI suspicion. Refusal can lead to automatic license suspension.

Summary of Key Requirements:

• Provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• Inform law enforcement if you are carrying a firearm.
• You are not required to answer questions beyond identification.
• You can refuse consent to a vehicle search unless probable cause exists.

Understanding these requirements can help ensure that you navigate traffic stops in North Carolina smoothly and lawfully.