[Howlin]

It is surprising how courteous they became when they were presented with her calling counsel.

Judging from your posts, I'd be willing to bet the police had every reason to be upset with your wife; I imagine she began spouting her "rights" as soon as she rolled down the window.

I do find it interesting that she had specifically researched the laws to find out just how much she could legally get away with though.

[RgnadKzin]

They have to first identify themselves and then give probable cause for a stop.

I require them to identify themselves because there are many cases of police impersonation. There was a cop that was convicted of forcing a woman to have sex with him in the back of his cruiser just last week in that same area.

I then ask them who they are looking for. If they do not know, then I tell them I am sorry that I cannot help them.

I then ask them if they are conducting a criminal investigation (Brown v Texas). If they say it is criminal, then I ask them if they will punish me if I exercise my right to remain silent. (Miranda v Arizona)

They generally say no, this is a traffic stop.

I then ask them if I say or do anything that I might reasonably calculate could lead to criminal charges if I may exercise my right to be free from self incrimination (Blau v US).

I then ask them if I am free to go.
Generally, they say yes.

If not, I get arrested and deal with it.

You are only entitled to those rights that you are willing to agressively pursue.