Getting stopped for driving under the influence is a severe offense in virtually all states of the US. The best tip to escaping this nightmare is to never drive while drunk or under the influence of any drug. It is always better to either call a cab or perhaps one of your friends can give you a ride home. But when the inevitable happens, playing the right cards will help your case.
So, here are tips that will help when police stop you for a DUI.
- Pull Over In A Safe Place
As soon as your police officer decides to pull you over, never hesitate to pull over in a safe place. You were probably stopped due to over speeding or perhaps erratic driving. Do not be saddened, since the police officer is looking out for your safety and that of others. One of the things the officer will note first is how you pull over. When you stop abruptly or perhaps park in an unsafe location, the office will note it in his report.
- No Suspicious Move
Aside from your safety and that of others, officers are also trained to protect themselves. That is why they always approach a car from behind. Before a driver will turn around and take a shot, the officer already has all the advantages to put him down. For your safety, follow the instructions of the officer. When you’re asked to step out, please do it slowly. When you resist, the officer is likely to charge you for resisting arrest.
- Be Polite
Unless you’re looking for one of the easiest ways to jail, try as much as possible to be polite to the officer. If the officer believes you’re sincerely respectful, they might let you off the hook. Otherwise, the officer might take offense and arrest you. The officer might even go further to write an incriminating report that can lead to your conviction. In your attempt to be friendly, ensure it is coming off as sincerely, or the officer might take it as direct sarcasm.
- Refuse The Field Sobriety Test
You’re not legally obliged to take a sobriety test. After all, a sobriety test is one of the tools that officers use to collect evidence that can be used against you. Refusing the test might lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. It is the right call anyway, much better to face the judge through an uninformed officer whose evidence of drunkenness is an unscientific field sobriety test, than going to jail.
- Contact An Attorney
You will need an experienced DUI or DWI attorney to defend your rights. In that case, ensure you hire an attorney who has a track record of success on DUI cases. An experienced DUI lawyer determines the outcome of the DUI case.
Conclusion
The best tip to beating a DUI is to never drive under any influence. Not only will you be putting road users in danger, but you’ll also be putting your life in harm’s way. But when it does happen, play the right card, and never fail to hire an experienced DUI attorney.
For help with your DUI or traffic case, please contact our office. With over 75 years of combined legal experience, Attorneys David B. Franks, David N. Rechenberg and James H. Andrle have helped regular people overcome extraordinary obstacles.