LAWYER: If Cops Demand Your Window Down, DO THIS - Attorney Marc Lopez (Marc Lopez Law Firm)

[ihaveaquestion]

Dec 30, 2025
If a cop orders you to roll your window down, most internet advice will get you in MORE trouble.
Here’s what a real criminal defense lawyer says you should do instead.

You’ve probably heard: “Never roll your window all the way down for police.”
But that advice is exactly how people end up with broken windows, searched cars, and upgraded charges.

In this video, criminal defense lawyer Marc Lopez explains the real moment that matters during a traffic stop — when the officer says “Step out of the vehicle.”

That’s when the law changes, and that’s when you can either hand police your car or protect it under the Fourth Amendment.

Marc breaks down:
– When rolling your window down actually helps you
– Why refusing to exit your car is a huge mistake
– The exit-and-lock strategy that keeps cops out of your vehicle
– Exactly what to say (and NOT say) on the roadside
– How to deny consent the right way

This isn’t about arguing with police.
It’s about protecting your rights and giving your lawyer something to work with later.

Marc Lopez Law Firm
120 E. Market St., Suite 710
Indianapolis, IN 46204
marclopezlaw.com

[Ocelot II]

1. This advice is good for a traffic stop where you're worried they'll find weed in your glove box,

but ICE doesn't play by those rules and they don't give a crap about the Constitution. They'll accuse you of ramming their vehicle when they are the rammers. They'll break your window if you don't roll it down and they'll drag you out of the car through it, and if you do roll it down they'll drag you out anyhow and search the car, 4th Amendment be damned. The best advice is to avoid being in a car altogether where ICE is around.

[nilram]

8. I'm worried about them PLANTING weed in my glovebox.

Or worse.

[Qutzupalotl]

2. If you have rolled down your window

you will have to roll it back up as you exit and lock the vehicle for this trick to work. Awkward.

[LostOne4Ever]

3. I was wondering about that! (Nt)

[Ocelot II]

4. And then you've locked your keys in your car, maybe with the engine running. If you've rolled up the window,

you have another problem.

[Jersey Devil]

5. Closing the vehicle door is enough. You don't have to lock it

There is an expectation of privacy when the door is closed. It's really not much different than a house. Police need a warrant to search your house whether the door is locked or not. Same for a car (unless there is "plain view" of a weapon, drugs, etc).

[ihaveaquestion]

6. Unfortunately, they may not respect any of that, but then you are collecting ammunition for your lawyer.

I'm going to start keeping my key fob on my person instead of in my purse, which will get locked in my car. I will try to roll up my window, but regardless, I will lock my car and refuse a search.

[leftstreet]

7. Give your lawyer something to work with!

Great advice in all situations