Three Things Not To Do When Pulled Over For A DUI

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Being pulled over for a suspected DUI is a serious matter. As such, it is critical that you know what to do when pulled over but, even more important, what not to do. If you or a loved one is ever pulled over, remember that what you do during the stop can significantly impact your situation.  

Avoid Self-Incrimination

If you are pulled over, you must avoid engaging in any activity that could cause you to incriminate yourself. Most often, this behavior involves providing an answer to a question to which you do not have an accurate answer. You have the legal right to remain silent when you are pulled over or arrested.

Providing inaccurate answers, such as understating how much you had to drink, can be used against you. If you cannot answer a question without any doubt, it is best to simply remain silent. 

Avoid a Sobriety Test

It is customary for an officer to ask someone suspected of a DUI to commit to a field sobriety test. In the same way that you have the right to remain silent, you also have the right to decline this test.

One of the reasons it is so essential to avoid this process is because the outcome of this test is largely left up to the interpretation of the officer performing them. For instance, if you are nervous and stumble over your words, the officer could interpret this behavior as being under the influence, which will not work out in your favor. 

Avoid Self-Handling the Matter

When you are accused of something you know you are not guilty of, it is natural to want to defend yourself. However, while you are pulled over on the side of the road, engaging with an officer is not the time to go about this process. Instead, you should cooperate with the officer within your legal limits.

Attempting to defend yourself in this scenario could be interpreted as combative or aggressive behavior, which will not only be used to further prove the officer's suspicion of your impaired state but can also be used to add additional charges. The best thing for you to do is to go along with the process and speak with an attorney as soon as possible so that the attorney can fight on your behalf. 

Again, make sure you know what not to do when pulled over, and if you are charged with DUI, contact an attorney for assistance. 

Contact a local law firm, such as The Law Offices Of Fischer And Putzi, to learn more. 

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17 May 2023

Working With Your Attorney

Few things are more frustrating than being accused of a crime that you didn't commit. I found myself in this difficult situation a few years ago when I was with a friend who broke the law. However, I knew that I didn't do anything, which is why I hired an experienced criminal attorney to help me out. He carefully reviewed my case, talked with me about what court would be like, and helped me to wrap my head around the different punishments I might face. He helped to prove my innocence, and I decided to set up this blog to help other people to understand the importance of working with a professional.