While it is certainly never a good idea to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks, there are times when even if you have only had one or two drinks you may be stopped by a police officer on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. If this happens to you, it’s important to not panic. Even though you have a police officer in front of you, that does not mean you will automatically be arrested for DWI. By keeping your wits about you and doing a few simple things, you’ll have a much better chance of resolving the situation in your favor.
Pull Over Calmly
An Important Part of DWI Law: Once an officer decides to pull you over, make sure you do so calmly and in a safe location. Make sure your car has no sudden jerking or turning, which may lead the officer to believe you are intoxicated even if you are not. By keeping control of your vehicle and yourself, you will make it more difficult for the officer to prove you are driving while intoxicated.
Always Be Polite and Respectful
Help Your DWI Attorney Build Their Case: When an officer pulls over a suspect, they automatically assume the person will be rude and disrespectful. However, if you do the opposite and are polite and cooperative, you actually make it much more difficult for the officer to justify their actions. If you are sincerely respectful of the officer, you are far less likely to be arrested.
Don’t Say Anything Incriminating
Let the DWI Law Work for You: First and foremost, it’s crucial that no matter what happens in these situations, never say anything incriminating that can be used against you in court. To ensure this happens, do the following:
–Be Very Helpful and Friendly
–Comply with the Officer’s Requests
–Never lie to the Officer
In addition to these points, always exit your vehicle if asked to do so. Otherwise, you may give the officer grounds to charge you with resisting arrest.
Field Sobriety Tests
Not Obligated to Take Under DWI Law: While an officer may want you to think otherwise, you are under no legal obligation to submit yourself to field sobriety tests. Even though this may result in the temporary suspension of your driver’s license, it’s best to refuse field sobriety tests and instead insist on a blood test in order to prove your innocence. By doing so, you take away the officer’s opportunity to subjectively determine whether or not you are drunk, and instead let the scientific evidence speak for itself.
Hire Legal Representation
Consult an Experienced DWI Attorney: If you have been arrested for DWI, hire the services of an experienced and knowledgeable DWI attorney as soon as possible. Rather that let police officers and the courts convict you unnecessarily, let a DWI lawyer protect your legal rights and prevent you from gaining a criminal record. Remember that even though you have been stopped on suspicion of DWI, suspicion does not mean guilt. The legal team at the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo has the experience and resources needed to protect your legal rights and dismiss, or at least reduce, the DWI charges you are facing.
