The lights start flashing in your review mirror. You hear the siren. A spotlight shines brightly through your back window. You’ve just been pulled over by the police.
There is nothing worse than that gut-wrenching feeling you get when you realize you’re being stopped by the police. What makes it even worse is when you know you’ve been drinking and could be impaired. Your mind begins to race as you begin to strategize how to best handle your current situation and what you can do to avoid being arrested and going to jail.
At Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients who have been through this exact experience. Based on the experience of our clients and some clever hints we’ve picked up on over the years, we’d like to offer the following list of important steps for you to remember when you’re being pulled over for DUI:
- Stay Calm – We know this is counterintuitive as being pulled over is perhaps one of the most stressful situations you can be in. But if you try to remind yourself to stay calm, you’ll be able to think clearer and make better decisions.
- Avoid Distractions – Turn the music down immediately and tell everyone else in the car that you need complete silence. The less you are distracted, the better you’ll handle the situation.
- Use Your Turn Signals – At this point, you’re most likely being pulled over for doing something illegal…even it was just running a red light. The last thing you want to do is continue breaking the law by forgetting minor traffic laws.
- Stay In Your Car – Some people feel the need to immediately jump out of the car, which can make the officer get defensive and incriminate yourself further based on how well you’re able to walk. At this point, it’s better to just sit still and wait. Don’t start digging through your glove box for insurance papers and registration.
- Be Polite – Greet the officer kindly and briefly. Don’t go over the top and become annoying. Just keep it short and polite.
- Follow Directions – When asked for your drivers license and other paperwork, be sure to maintain control. The officer will be watching you and judging your ability to carry out these basic requests.
- Do Not Answer Any Questions Whatsoever – Police officers are very clever about asking questions that will lead to incriminating answers. It’s best that you avoid answering any questions at all. You do have the right to remain silent and this can be a great advantage to you. Even the most simple and innocent answers to questions can give officers the leverage they need to charge you with additional crimes.
- Refuse Any Sobriety Tests – These tests are not required. You do have the right to stay silent. You don’t have to say or do anything that you think would incriminate you. You can also refuse the hand-held breathalyzer test.
- Call Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys ASAP – Having an experienced DUI attorney on your side as soon as possible is always a good idea. Give us a call no matter what time of the day it is. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Charlie Naegle is ready and willing to go to work for you right away. (602)663-9958