How to Avoid a DUI

Avoiding a charge of driving under the influence is something that most people hope to do. Clearly, the best thing you can do is to not drink and then get behind the wheel. If, however, you choose to do so and find yourself pulled over by the police, you will want to be aware of the best behaviors and decisions that you can make in order to avoid being slapped with a DUI.

Don’t Speak

One of the first things that a police officer will ask you if they suspect that you’ve been drinking is if, indeed, you have been drinking. Anything you say at this point can be considered an admission in court. Do not answer the question. Instead, advise the officer that you would prefer to contact an attorney prior to being questions or making any statements.

Field Sobriety Test

If the police officer asks you to get out of the car, you will want to do so. It is well within the officer’s right to ask you to exit your vehicle if they suspect that you are driving under the influence. If you do not exit your vehicle, you can be hit with an obstruction charge.

The officer is now interested in collecting evidence that can be used against you. You may be requested to take a set of field sobriety tests. Arguments have shown that these tests can be difficult for even a sober person to pass. Keep in mind that you are under no legal obligation to participate in any of these tests. Again, telling the officer that you would prefer to contact your attorney may be in your best interest. Remember: If you do choose to participate in these tests, you are providing the officer with evidence, either in your favor or not.

Breath Test

The next step for the officer is to ask you to take a breath or blood test. This is another piece of evidence that can be used against you in court. Before you make your decision, you need to consider whether or not you know that you have had too much to drink and are likely to fail the test. In many jurisdictions, you face an automatic license suspension if you refuse the test. That said, you may be facing stiffer penalties if you take the test and fail miserably.

Each person must determine for themselves how they will handle being pulled over under suspicion of DUI. One of the best things that you can do is to contact an attorney for advice before you make any decisions that could potentially affect the rest of your life.