What Steps Should I Take If I Have Been Pulled Over and Charged with a DUI?

No person wants to find themselves facing a DUI charge. Chances are, you are probably kicking yourself for your decision to get behind the wheel. Enduring the process of this type of charge can be costly, even before a conviction has been handed down. While in many cases, you won’t be able to get out of the DUI charge that you are facing, there are a few things that can help to mitigate the likelihood of making matters worse: 

  • Contacting an experienced DUI lawyer
  • Making sure that you behave appropriately and take the proper steps in the wake of a DUI

If you have been pulled over, chances are your mind is reeling. Consequences and the possibility that you may be arrested may be flashing through your mind. If you have been pulled over with a DUI, take these following steps:

Step #1: Remain as Calm and Polite as Possible

If you have been pulled over, do your best to remain calm. Treat police officers kindly and politely. This can certainly ensure that the situation doesn’t become more heightened than it needs to be. 

Step #2: Keep Both Hands on the Wheel, Do Not Reach for Anything

Although it’s unlikely that the last thing on your mind is causing harm to anyone, the police officer who pulled you over, doesn’t know that. Meaning, law enforcement will be on the defensive. As the officer approaches the car, be sure to keep both hands on the wheel. This can help them to assess for their own safety as they approach the car. Additionally, it’s vital that you not reach for anything when being pulled over. Although you may be reaching for your purse or some other item on the floor or under the seat, this can be interpreted differently by law enforcement. The last thing that you want is for them to suspect that you may be potentially in possession of a firearm, they may respond in an unfavorable way to protect themselves. 

Step #3: Be Careful About How You Answer Questions

The officer who pulled you over will likely ask you a series of questions. Some of them may seem innocent enough. However, it’s important that you are as guarded as possible. Most of these questions are likely in an attempt to gather evidence should they decide to charge you with a DUI. 

Step #4: Decline to Take a Field Sobriety Test

This may seem strange to do, but you may want to consider declining a field sobriety test. Field sobriety tests can be less than accurate, even a person who has not consumed any alcohol may have trouble with a field sobriety test. Field sobriety tests or subjective, instead take another form of testing such as a breathalyzer or chemical test. 

Step #5: Contact a DUI Lawyer

If you have been arrested, contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to review your case, the details surrounding the arrest and will then formulate a case based on your particular situation. A DUI lawyer can look out for your best interests and may even be able to minimize the consequences you are facing. 

If you have been pulled over and charged with a DUI, do not hesitate in contacting a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Schedule your appointment today with a DUI lawyer to get started.