Tips That Can Help If You Are Pulled Over After Drinking
Getting pulled over by the police after leaving a bar can cause a person to panic. Even if you only had one beer and you know you are not drunk, you'll still likely have some butterflies in your stomach as the police officer walks up to the car. It's important to keep a clear head in this situation while being respectful of the police officer if you want to get through the traffic stop without any issues. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Don't Volunteer Information, But Don't Lie Either
Try and keep your answers to yes and no. If the cop asks if you've been drinking, don't lie because that will just make you look worse later if you are actually arrested. But for the most part, try to limit the amount of information you volunteer and answer any questions as concisely as possible.
Consider Refusing All DUI Tests
This is where it gets tricky. The police officer may ask you to take a sobriety test in the field or with a Breathalyzer if they suspect you were drinking. The problem (from your perspective) is that it doesn't take very much alcohol at all in many states to be technically over the limit. You might think you're not drunk at all but then end up getting bad news from the officer. In other words, "legally drunk" is different from "falling over drunk".
In this situation, you should know you have the legal right to refuse any and all sobriety tests. But you also need to understand that doing so will almost certainly get you arrested immediately and it may also get your license automatically suspended in your state.
But while you may temporarily be in handcuffs or get a suspended license, you will also avoid giving the police any additional evidence that could be used against you in court. That might give you a fighting chance to get the charges thrown out if you have DUI defense lawyer on your side.
Contact an Attorney
If you are actually placed in handcuffs and taken to the police station, reach out to a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. If you kept your cool during the traffic stop and did not volunteer additional information to the police, there's at least a slim chance a good lawyer may be able to help you. He or she will examine all aspects of the traffic stop or DUI checkpoint and look for mistakes made by the police that can be used to your advantage.
For more information, contact a law office like Knochel Law Offices PC.
Share
