Mistakes to Avoid if Pulled Over for DUI

We’ve talked recently about the inaccuracies of various field sobriety tests. You can read them here, here and here. While mistakes can and are made with those tests, there are mistakes made by the driver that can increase the chances of a DUI conviction.

• Making incriminating statements. The key is to be polite; you’ve nothing to gain by being belligerent.

We’ve talked before about why saying anything beyond your name to the police officer is a huge mistake. Remember, you do have an absolute right to remain silent. By giving additional information to the officer, you’re essentially acting as a witness against yourself. Here’s a sample of how your conversation with the officer should go: Police: Do you know why I stopped you? You: No Police: Have you had anything to drink tonight? You: I have nothing to say officer. Police: I’ll need your license and registration, please. Your action: Silently hand them over. Police: Where are you coming from? You: I have nothing to say, officer. Police: You’re not being very cooperative! I think you’ve been drinking! Maybe I should just lock you up right now! You: I have nothing to say officer.

• Volunteer to take a field sobriety test. What are you thinking? As the linked articles above will attest, field sobriety tests are notoriously unreliable.
• Not requesting a lawyer. There are officers out there who will deter you from contacting an attorney. Trust us, they do not have your best interests in mind.

In fact, any evidence obtained after your right to confer with a lawyer has been violated    must be thrown out.

Let The Oswalt Law Group Fight Your DUI Charge!

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you’re looking possible combined costs of $8,000 — $24,000 if your conviction stands. We can help lower those costs or even make the charge go away entirely. Call The Oswalt Law Group today at (602)-225-2222 for a free consultation.