Getting pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving can be a life-changing experience. After all, it could lead to arrest, criminal charges and conviction. The penalties associated with a conviction can cause a devastating impact to your life, too, affecting everything from your employment to your reputation, financial stability and relationships with family members, including your children. It’s therefore in your best interests to learn the best ways to protect and aggressively defend yourself against a drunk driving conviction.
What should you do if you’re pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving?
If you see flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror, you need to know how to act to protect your interests. Your criminal defense starts in that moment. Therefore, you should consider doing the following at that time:
- Remaining as calm as possible and pulling over without making any erratic movements with your vehicle.
- Being respectful towards the officer or officers who stop you.
- Saying as little as possible to the officer so that you don’t inadvertently make incriminating statements.
- Considering refusal when asked to submit to a field sobriety test.
- Taking note of mistakes that the police make when asking you questions, searching you or vehicle or asking you to submit to a breath test.
- Refusing to consent to a search.
Making a mistake during your drunk driving stop can put you behind the eight ball when trying to build your criminal defense. That’s why it’s wise to educate yourself on what you can do to protect yourself when you’re under suspicion of DUI.
Have you been accused of drunk driving?
If you have, then now is the time to start thinking through your criminal defense options. Depending on the facts of your case, you might have several, including evidence suppression and attacking the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses.