It’s never a good idea to get behind the wheel of a car when you’re under the influence. The risks it brings to both your life and others simply isn’t worth it.
Unfortunately, many people still end up in this situation every day, so if you find yourself in this position, it’s important to know how to act. These are the things to do if you get pulled over for drunk driving.
Act Calm And Polite
The pandemic might have closed down bars and clubs, but drunk driving is still a real problem in the US. The cops aren’t being too lenient with the people they catch red-handed, although the way drivers behave when pulled over can make a difference.
If you’re polite, sincere, and respectful, you have a far better chance of getting in their good books than if you’re the opposite. This won’t assure that you’ll be let off the hook, but complying with the police and treating them appropriately is always a good idea.
It also helps if you keep your body language relaxed, as this will show you’re not a threat to the officer. Being jumpy or making sudden movements could suggest you’re going to attack or escape, which will prompt the cop to behave as they see fit.
Refuse Where Legally Allowed
If an officer pulls you over for drunk driving, they’ll probably have a lot of questions to ask you. They’ll also likely want you to take a field sobriety test and roadside breathalyzer to identify whether or not you’re under the influence.
It’s important to remember your rights here and note that you can refuse all of these things. While some questions you do have to answer, such as your name, address, and insurance details, you can refuse anything that might incriminate you. Likewise, you can say no to their tests, which aren’t always reliable and could be your downfall in a court of law.
Although refusing this may result in the immediate suspension of your license, this may be a sacrifice worth making. Just remember that if you’re taken to the station and told to do a blood test and other checks, though, that you must comply. Failure to do so won’t be accepted here, and it may be seen as resisting arrest.
Contact An Attorney
You’ll want to get in touch with legal representation as soon as possible after being pulled over. Having a qualified attorney who understands the ins and outs of DUIs can really save your skin here, so be sure to contact someone with relevant experience.
A Boise felony DUI attorney from Hooper Law Offices is always an excellent choice because they’re experts in this field. Their aggressive determination to offer high-quality support to those facing criminal charges makes them an exceptional defense attorney, which is exactly what you want.
Also, be sure to make a note of everything revolving around the incident – regardless of how relevant it seems – before making the call. That way, you have all the details at your disposal while it’s still fresh in your mind.
It’s easy to start freaking out if you get pulled over. Try not to panic, though, as this won’t help your situation. Take a deep breath, follow these steps as best you can, and hopefully, you’ll get off lightly.