The startling truth is that you have been pulled over by law enforcement after an enjoyable night out with friends. The pleasure of that gathering seems far in the past now that a drunk driving charge is possible for you.
A few thoughts stream through your mind. What do you do? What should you not do? The main thing is not to panic but understand that you are in a delicate situation. A DUI conviction can complicate your life. Your initial contact with the arresting officer may have a significant impact on the outcome.
Failing to listen, fleeing an officer
When stopped for suspected DUI, please make sure to avoid the following:
- Talking too much: You do not have to answer the officer’s questions other than to provide your name, driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance information. The arresting officer will try to get you to keep talking in hopes that you will make incriminating statements.
- Not following the officer’s instructions: Doing so may lead to an avoidable tragedy. Do not get out of your vehicle. Stay in the car and listen. The officer may ask that you place your hands on the dashboard where he or she can see them. And do not make any sudden movements that may be viewed as a threat to the officer’s safety.
- Lecturing the officer: You may think you are an expert in the law and are brash enough to let the arresting officer know this. Do not do so. The potential result: You may face an additional charge such as obstructing a law enforcement officer.
- Resisting arrest or fleeing an officer: Your troubles will magnify by escalating the situation. More serious consequences are possible, leading to a physical assault and injury to an officer. Fleeing the scene in your vehicle can lead to collisions with other vehicles on the road.
Deal with the situation at hand. An officer arrested you on suspicion of DUI. Any mistake you make immediately afterward can have serious consequences.
Stay calm and retain an attorney
Your legal problems may become worse if you make any of the above mistakes after a DUI arrest. Such actions may prolong your case and lead to some serious jail time. Stay as calm as possible after an arrest. An attorney can help you in an attempt to get the charges reduced or dismissed.