Now that fall is officially here, it's time to start planning for all the holiday festivities, and there are a lot of them to plan for. Each one of the parties you attend could include the consumption of alcoholic beverages. At some point during the holidays, you could find yourself pulled over for a DUI. What you do from that point on will determine the final outcome of the traffic stop. The last thing you want is to end up with a DUI conviction on your record. Here are four steps you should take if you get pulled over for a DUI.
Be Politely Silent
If you've been pulled over, the police officer will be looking for signs of a crime, which means they'll be paying attention to everything you say and do. Because of that, you want to limit the verbal and nonverbal interaction you have with the officer. By all means, be polite throughout the traffic stop. However, limit your answers to just a few words each and never volunteer additional information. The less you talk, the less you'll give the officer to use against you later.
Refuse the Field Sobriety Test
If you're going to be driving during the holiday season, chances are good that you'll be pulled over at least once, especially if you're out driving late at night. If the officer even suspects that you've been out drinking, they're going to ask you to take a field sobriety test. Regardless of whether you've been drinking or not, you need to refuse the field sobriety test, including the breathalyzer test. If you fail any portion of the field sobriety test, you're going to be booked for DUI and the arrest report will show that you failed the sobriety test. Not only that, but there are quite a few ways to blow a false positive on a breathalyzer test.
Agree to the Blood Test
Once you refuse the field sobriety test and the breathalyzer, the officer will probably take you into custody. However, once you get to the police department, you'll be given the opportunity to have a blood test to determine your blood alcohol content. Go ahead and agree to this test. If you haven't had anything to drink, you'll pass the test with flying colors. If you have had something to drink, it will show up on the test, but your attorney will have something to work with.
Hire an Attorney
If you're arrested for a DUI, you'll need to hire a DUI attorney immediately. First, your attorney will be able to get you out of jail. Second, they'll be able to help you with issues related to your driver's license. Finally, they'll be able to help you through the legal process.
