Pulled Over For A DUI? Here's What To Do

Posted on: 14 May 2020

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If you are pulled over because you are suspected of a DUI, that doesn't mean that you have necessarily been drinking and driving. However, you might have engaged in behavior that would cause a police officer to believe that you are under the influence. There are several steps you should take to avoid any legal problems that might result.

Relax

Always pull over in a calm manner. Use your turn signal and completely stop your vehicle. Everything that happens during the stop is recorded. If you commit a traffic infraction while pulling over, you may still be cited for it even if you do not receive a DUI.

Be Cooperative

Don't make any sudden movements. Police officers are trained to protect themselves and will often respond with aggression if a suspect makes a sudden movement. Face forward and do not turn around.

Don't Self-Incriminate Yourself

Be respectful and polite toward the officer. Police officers tend to be more lenient toward those who show them respect. You will be asked to hand over your license, insurance, and possibly your registration. If you hand these over, you will look less suspicious. The officer might ask if you have been drinking tonight. While you may be required to perform a sobriety test, you are not required to answer any questions that could be self-incriminating. However, you should not lie either. 

Be Careful When Accepting a Sobriety Test

Make sure to know the law for sobriety tests in your state. In some cases, refusal to take a sobriety test can lead to higher fines than what you would receive if you had a DUI. If you are legally allowed to opt-out, you may be taken back to the station so that you can receive a different test. Because the sobriety test can be subjective, you may instead wish to have a breathalyzer test, urine test, or blood test performed if you know you're not intoxicated.

Speak with a DUI Attorney as Soon as Possible

After you have been pulled over for a DUI, you might be surprised if you have a breathalyzer test performed that ends up being positive even though you have not consumed any alcohol. However, breathalyzer tests are known to be inaccurate and you may be able to have the results challenged. Make sure to speak with a DUI attorney so you can fight for your rights and avoid a conviction.