Why Do Police Officers Pull You Over Before a DUI?
What can you be pulled over for? Police officers commonly pull drivers over for simple violations, sometimes without consideration the driver is drinking.
Other times, an officer may pull you over on suspicion of being drinking and driving.
If you break a simple traffic law - running a stop sign; turning without a turn signal; even hitting a parked car - you can be questioned about drinking and driving.
The officer looks for how you act, of course, such as if you are unable to speak properly, smell like alcohol, or showing other signs of being intoxicated.
You're Pulled Over - What Questions? If you are pulled over, beyond wondering why, you may be curious what questions you'll be asked and how or if you should answer them.
More to the point, if an officer asks if you have been drinking when you have, should you answer? This depends on the situation.
You will have no legal consultation with you upon questioning.
But you cannot simply ignore all questions.
By law, you have to answer what your name is, what your age is, and if you have a valid license.
On the other hand, you do not always have to answer other questions, especially if you've been drinking.
Should you take field sobriety tests? Common mistakes drivers make are that because you were drinking you're guilty and should cooperate and second that taking the field sobriety test is mandatory.
Few states make field sobriety tests mandatory.
There are no laws on the books saying you have to take field sobriety tests.
On the other hand, there are requirements for breathalyzers.
But walking in a straight line, counting backwards, saying the alphabet backwards, standing on one leg - these are not necessary.
If you're unsure, ask the officer if by law you have to take the test.
Do not confuse this with the breathalyzer test, which you should take.
Why take the breathalyzer? Most states have laws on the books where you are required to take breathalyzer tests.
You should almost always take them.
If you don't, an officer has the right to arrest you and suspend your license immediately.
Some make the mistake of believing the breathalyzer is 100% accurate, where it can be wrong.
While breath tests are very accurate, there is no difference in the test for a man or woman, large person or small person, and there is room for human error in how the officer uses it.
What DUI charges will you get? If you get proper representation, it's possible you can avoid jail time, license suspensions, large fines, probation, and further penalties.
A typical first DUI is not easy on you; you face potential jail time, fines, and a long license suspension.
The more DUI charges you get, the harsher the penalties will be and the greater chance of getting felony charges.
Who can help with DUI law? You should always consider a lawyer in any criminal law case.
Going without a lawyer is much like accepting the charges.
Value your lawyer.
He or she won't be free, but a lawyer can keep you out of jail, avoid license suspensions, and protect your rights.
Other times, an officer may pull you over on suspicion of being drinking and driving.
If you break a simple traffic law - running a stop sign; turning without a turn signal; even hitting a parked car - you can be questioned about drinking and driving.
The officer looks for how you act, of course, such as if you are unable to speak properly, smell like alcohol, or showing other signs of being intoxicated.
You're Pulled Over - What Questions? If you are pulled over, beyond wondering why, you may be curious what questions you'll be asked and how or if you should answer them.
More to the point, if an officer asks if you have been drinking when you have, should you answer? This depends on the situation.
You will have no legal consultation with you upon questioning.
But you cannot simply ignore all questions.
By law, you have to answer what your name is, what your age is, and if you have a valid license.
On the other hand, you do not always have to answer other questions, especially if you've been drinking.
Should you take field sobriety tests? Common mistakes drivers make are that because you were drinking you're guilty and should cooperate and second that taking the field sobriety test is mandatory.
Few states make field sobriety tests mandatory.
There are no laws on the books saying you have to take field sobriety tests.
On the other hand, there are requirements for breathalyzers.
But walking in a straight line, counting backwards, saying the alphabet backwards, standing on one leg - these are not necessary.
If you're unsure, ask the officer if by law you have to take the test.
Do not confuse this with the breathalyzer test, which you should take.
Why take the breathalyzer? Most states have laws on the books where you are required to take breathalyzer tests.
You should almost always take them.
If you don't, an officer has the right to arrest you and suspend your license immediately.
Some make the mistake of believing the breathalyzer is 100% accurate, where it can be wrong.
While breath tests are very accurate, there is no difference in the test for a man or woman, large person or small person, and there is room for human error in how the officer uses it.
What DUI charges will you get? If you get proper representation, it's possible you can avoid jail time, license suspensions, large fines, probation, and further penalties.
A typical first DUI is not easy on you; you face potential jail time, fines, and a long license suspension.
The more DUI charges you get, the harsher the penalties will be and the greater chance of getting felony charges.
Who can help with DUI law? You should always consider a lawyer in any criminal law case.
Going without a lawyer is much like accepting the charges.
Value your lawyer.
He or she won't be free, but a lawyer can keep you out of jail, avoid license suspensions, and protect your rights.
