Personal Injury Lawyer
Have you been pulled over for a DUI? Perhaps you know someone who has. You might have even come to this page for emergency legal help because police have recently pulled you over. A leading DUI lawyer, like a Civic Center San Francisco, CA DUI lawyer, would like to talk with you about certain things you should not do when pulled over for a DUI.
Do Not Fail to Handover Your Documents
Regardless of what you have been pulled over for, you should not fail in handing over your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration. If you refuse to handover these documents, can’t find them, delay things, or do anything else that seem suspicious, you may give the officer a better reason to inquire into the situation.
We would recommend that you gather all of the necessary documents before the officer arrives at your window. If it is dark out, turn on your interior lights, hold the documents in your hand, roll down your window, and keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Avoid Admitting to Anything
The officer might ask you if you have been drinking. The word ‘anything’ is literal. All too often people believe the officer will be appreciative of the honesty; thus, will say something like “yes, officer, I have had one beer.”
The officer is only looking for one word, yes or no. They are not interested in what you have drank or when. If you answer yes, it can be enough to be asked to submit to field sobriety testing.
It is your right to decline their question or politely say now. Yes, you may still be tested for alcohol or drugs, and you might be arrested. However, the least amount of evidence you provide, the better off your case may be.
You Can Submit to a Test After an Arrest
Once you’ve been arrested, it is a law that you submit to a breath, blood, or urine test. Many people assume you don’t have to submit to any test, even if you’re arrested. Others, think that you should not submit to a test. As a DUI lawyer might tell you, this is not recommended because harsher penalties can be the result. Even if you know you will fail the test, it may be better that you take it. A good DUI lawyer should assess your situation and identify a defense that suits your case.
Have a DUI Lawyer Present During Questioning
As soon as you have been arrested, whatever you say can be used against you. It is possible that police will say things or make promises that encourage you to open up to them. By doing so you might incriminate yourself. You should have a DUI lawyer at your side during any questioning.
Avoid Representing Yourself
Regardless of what you have been charged with, and what the circumstances might be, you should not represent yourself. Doing so could be catastrophic. Call a DUI lawyer for further help.
