DUI Arrest: 8 Things You Should Never Do
For always, the best thing to do when it comes to drinking and driving is to never get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Even if you know a great DUI defense lawyer, you still shouldn’t push your luck by driving drunk.
Of course, in the case of some drivers, that is apparently a very difficult thing to do, so the next best thing they can hope for is never to get stopped by cops on suspicion of DUI.
Authorities are naturally alert and on the lookout for drunk drivers. When individuals are flagged by the police and stopped for a DUI revision, the procedure can vary, but possible sentences for DUI will depend on how the drivers behave and respond to the police questioning depending on the situation.
Here are eight actions to avoid if you are stopped for drunk driving (DUI):
1. Being Rude
There is no way being disrespectful to police officers would lead to anything good, especially when you’re doing it while obviously smashed. The cops will book you straight away, leaving you with a headache that’s going to carry over the following day as you face DUI charges.
2. Talking Too Much
A police officer will be asking you questions at a DUI stop. Instead of telling him or her your life story with each question, a polite and straightforward yes or no will suffice. The less you open your mouth to speak, the better.
Cops will do their best to gather evidence that can be used against you, so they will prod you to talk some more so they can hear if your speech is slurred and if your breath reeks of alcohol. They may also have you look at them to see if your eyes are bloodshot, which would indicate intoxication.
3. Offering a Bribe
Bribing a police officer to let you go is probably one of the dumbest things you can do during a DUI stop. In all likelihood, you will be arrested for the bribery attempt and a DUI as well.
4. Running Away
Making a run for it will only make things worse for you because cops will think you’re hiding something. And you can never outrun cops, so stay put and cooperate with the officers.
5. Making Sudden Movements
Police officers are trained to be on guard at all times during any situation, and for good reason. Make sure you don’t make any sudden movements that would lead them to believe you’re reaching for a weapon.
6. Lying
Lying to a police officer during a DUI stop will only worsen your situation and hurt your case. You can either tell the truth that you have had, say, six drinks, or just clam up. The latter is always the wiser choice.
7. Arguing
Getting into an argument with cops about the law isn’t always good, especially when the extent of your legal knowledge is limited to what you’ve read on the Internet. So again, keeping your mouth closed is your best bet.
8. Not Lawyering Up
There have been drivers arrested for a DUI that have never asked to speak to a lawyer. A skilled and experienced DUI lawyer can do many things to help you, like question any evidence presented against you or advise you to keep quiet when it matters.
What to Do When Getting Arrested for DUI
So if you find yourself getting arrested for a DUI, always request for the services of a good DUI defense lawyer. It’s the smartest thing you can do should you get taken in for driving under the influence. Your attorney can help you navigate your state’s laws and requirements, find an ignition interlock installer (if required) and get you through the process as quickly as possible.
Content for this article was contributed by The Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan, a Phoenix, AZ DUI attorney and partner of Intoxalock. Brian is an award-winning DUI defense lawyer with more than 13 years of DUI defense experience.
For more information about an Intoxalock ignition interlock device, call our state specialists at 833-623-0200.
