As virtually every car owner can guess, the best way to prevent a DUI is to refrain from driving when you’ve been drinking. Although that may seem like common knowledge, there exist many people that think that they are capable of driving while under the influence. Erratic movement between lines, slower response time or an anonymous phone call from a bystander can potentially result in reasonable suspicion through a skilled police officer’s eyes. Would you recognize how to proceed if you were pulled over by the police?
As the officer comes to your car, stay in your car or truck with your hands easily visible, and furnish the authorities with your Valid ID and vehicle registration. Although you shouldn’t offer more information than you are asked to provide, try to answer any inquiries in a way that’s courteous and composed, and if told to step from the car, do it.
The officer may wish to administer the Standard Field Sobriety Test, and this you have the legal right to refuse. He or she might then request that you receive a preliminary breath evaluation, which you might also decline with no further legal implications. With you having turned down the officer’s option to assess you, they will be left with mainly visible tips – your physical appearance, ability to drive risk-free, general recognition, capability to stand or walk – to determine a probable reason to detain you.
If you are arrested, the officer will take you to the station where you might be administered either a blood or breath alcohol content test. While you can deny the testing, this may appear to a judge as an ‘unreasonable’ refusal, which could result in a 365-day revocation of your license, without the possibility of a restricted license. If you agree to the blood or breath test and are convicted, you may still be given a restricted license. Respectful conduct and a willingness to comply are looked at positively by police, but you should have your own legal rights close in mind.
