Scare Tactics: How the Cops Will Try To Shake You Down At Your DUI Stop
The police are not your friend! Don't forget this. When you are at a DUI stop, cops are trying to get you to incriminate yourself! Unfortunately, they will do anything to make this happen – that includes lying and using scare tactics. Don’t fall prey to police. Arm yourself with important information – YOUR RIGHTS! You have rights when you are pulled over for DUI. Don’t let the cops shake you down! Here’s how to handle the cops when you are at a DUI stop.
- Don't take a field sobriety test. When police ask you to take a field sobriety test, it is your right to say no. You do not have to take these tests. First and foremost, they are optional! No police officer will ever tell you that. In fact, they may tell you that you have to take a field sobriety test. This is wrong. Don’t take one.
- Don't get out of your car. Along with not taking a field sobriety test, don't get out of your car, even when the cops say you have to.
- Remember that you don't HAVE to take a breathalyzer test. Really this is your choice. Cops will say that you will go to jail if you don't take a breathalyzer test. The truth is, if the police officer suspects that you are drunk, you are going to be arrested for DUI regardless of whether you take a breathalyzer test or not. If you don't take one of these tests, you will end up with a suspended driver's license. But the other side of the coin is that if you don't take a breathalyzer test, you will take away a major piece of evidence from the prosecution – your BAC results. Without these results, it'll be very hard to convict you of DUI. A skilled DUI attorney may tell you its better to have a suspended license than a DUI on your record.
- Don't talk. Seriously. The less you say, the better. Police at a DUI stop will try to get you to talk about your evening – where you have been and if you have been drinking. Even if the officer asks you directly, "have you been drinking tonight?" the best answer is "I'd like to speak to my lawyer before I answer any questions."
- Don't believe that a conviction is inevitable. Police may tell you that you will be convicted of DUI, especially if you do take a breathalyzer test. But the truth is, an experienced DUI lawyer will be able to challenge any evidence against you – including BAC results.
- Don't let police search your car. Again, it is your right to say no to police if they want to search your vehicle. In fact, it's in your best interest to say no. If police happen to find something, they will have more evidence to use against you. It is your right to refuse a search of your vehicle.
Police are supposed to be the good guys. Most of the time they are. But when you are pulled over for a possible DUI, police view you as a criminal. This is why you can't trust what they say and do when you are being arrested for DUI. Cops will use scare tactics to get you to admit to drinking or to performing a field sobriety test. Instead of getting yourself into trouble, the best thing you can do for yourself is request a skilled DUI lawyer immediately. The sooner you get expert help, the better it will be for your case. An experienced DUI attorney will get you the best possible outcome in your case if you have been arrested for DUI.
|