Tips On Handling A DUI Arrest

If you have been pulled over by a police officer for drunk driving, it is essential that you think about every single move you make because the officer will start making observations and taking down notes right from the time they ask you to pull over. So find a safe place to pull over and do not make any sudden movements. After the officer approaches you, here are some tips on how to handle the situation.

Be Calm and Polite

When the officer is approaching, keep your hands on the wheel in the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock’ position. They are trained to respond to sudden movements so do not do anything that may get them nervous. When they talk to you, be polite. If you are rude to them, they will make sure that they do everything possible in order to get you convicted. If they ask you to get out of your vehicle, listen to them. If you don’t, you could be arrested for obstruction of justice. Basically, be polite and follow their instructions so that they can’t add anything negative to the report that they make.

Do Not Take Any Tests on the Field

If you are asked to take a sobriety test on the field, you have a legal right to deny it. Be firm and polite when doing so. A negative result is one of the biggest pieces of evidence that can be used against you. Since they are not often reliable indicators of whether you are intoxicated, you are under no obligation to perform these tests on the field. The same rule applies for breath analyzers. Do not agree to one because even these tests are very subjective and unreliable.

At the Police Station, only take a Chemical Test

If you have been taken to the police station, you will be compelled to take a chemical test there. Usually, you will be given a choice between a blood test and a breath test (this choice will depend on the state that you are in). If you have a choice, choose the breath test. This is because they are a little less reliable than blood tests so if it comes to fighting it out in court, you may just have a slightly better chance of getting it dismissed as evidence against you.

If you are then found drunk and get arrested, you should get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer. Not only should you start putting your case together but the quicker you can do it, the better it would be for you to remember everything properly and narrate the whole story to the attorney.