When you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror, it’s natural to feel nervous. But knowing your rights — and separating fact from fiction — can make all the difference. We sat down with Bradley Marshall, a shareholder attorney at Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian in Manassas, to clear up five common myths people believe during traffic stops.
Myth #1: If you’re innocent, you should explain everything right away.
Reality: Talking too much can hurt your case.
According to Marshall, “Rarely are you going to talk yourself out of a situation. More often, you talk yourself into trouble.” It’s better to remain respectful but silent — and save the explanations for your attorney.
Myth #2: They have to read you your Miranda rights immediately.
Reality: Miranda rights only apply when you’re in custody and being interrogated.
Marshall explains that unless you’re officially detained (not free to leave) and being questioned, officers aren’t required to “Mirandize” you.
Myth #3: Staying silent makes you look guilty.
Reality: Exercising your right to remain silent can never be used against you in court.
Invoking your rights is not an admission of guilt. “You are simply protecting yourself — and the Constitution gives you that protection,” Marshall said.
Myth #4: If police ask to search your car, you have to let them.
Reality: You have the right to refuse consent to a search.
Marshall advises: “Respectfully decline consent. If they have probable cause, they’ll act accordingly — but don’t volunteer your rights away.”
Myth #5: If you’re polite, you don’t need a lawyer.
Reality: Even polite people can face serious consequences without legal help.
Being courteous matters, but so does protecting your future. “You don’t need to go through it alone,” Marshall said. “At the very least, consult an attorney before making any big decisions.”
Protect yourself. Know your rights.
If you’ve been pulled over, charged, or have questions about your situation, contact Bradley Marshall at Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian for a free consultation.
Call 703-369-4738
Visit vfnlaw.com
During its February 2025 meeting, the Thirty-First Judicial District Community Criminal Justice Board (CCJB), re-elected Bradley Marshall as board chairman and elected Yesli Vega as vice chair. The board, which serves the greater Prince William County area, assists community agencies and organizations in establishing and modifying programs and services for criminal offenders based on objectively assessing the community’s needs and resources.
Marshall, a criminal defense attorney with Manassas-based Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C., has been a board member since 2009 when he was appointed as former Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert’s designee. He was first elected chairman in 2014 and remained in the position after transitioning to private practice. Marshall attributes his long history in Prince William County law and his experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney as reasons his colleagues have consistently elected him.
“I believe my colleagues have elected me for over a decade because I bring a steady hand to the meetings and to guiding the board, as well as a lot of institutional memory,” Marshall said.
Vega, the Coles District representative on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors and a key figure in local politics, said she relies on data and her experience in law enforcement to guide her decisions.
“As a law enforcement officer, I bring a unique perspective and understanding of our local criminal justice system, using data and community input to advocate for effective, evidence-based practices,” Vega said.
A Prince William County reserve deputy sheriff, Vega began her law enforcement career as a police officer in Alexandria before serving with the Manassas Park Police Department.
“Supervisor Vega is a proven consensus builder who can bring stakeholders together to navigate complicated situations and come together to do what’s best for the community. I have no doubt she will continue to do so as vice chair of this board,” Marshall said.
The CCJB consists of 27 board members from local agencies involved in probation and the incarceration of accused individuals.
“The best thing about this board is the number and level of stakeholders involved,” Marshall said.
In addition to representatives from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys, and law enforcement officers, the board includes judges, social services representatives, behavioral health providers, and citizens from each represented area.
“It is a board of subject matter experts who collaborate to help each other, and in the end, help the community,” Marshall said.
The board ensures that court-offered programs comply with changes in state policy and best practices nationwide.
“Ultimately, I want to ensure that programs yield measurable improvements in public safety and reduced recidivism,” Vega said.
Marshall agreed.
“The board has made tremendous strides in evidence-based decision-making over the last several years, and I know we will continue to do so in order to improve the local criminal justice system,” he said.
The CCJB meets quarterly. Its next meeting will be held at 5 p.m. April 22, 2025, at the Adult Detention Center, 9320 Lee Avenue, Manassas.
