3 Steps to Take if You Get Pulled Over for a DUI
If you are a big drinker or if you just like to have a drink of alcohol on occasion, one of the best things that you can know about is DUIs. DUIs, or charges involved with driving under the influence, can involve a variety of repercussions including jail time, a lost driver's license, or problems at work. Although you should never get behind the wheel after you've had a drink, if you do ever get pulled over while you're a little bit intoxicated then there are a few steps that you should follow.
1. Stay Quiet
Under the constitution, you have your Miranda Rights, which states that "you have the right to remain silent and that anything that you say can and will be used against in the court of law." Although you can answer basic yes or no questions if you get pulled over on suspicion of having a DUI, saying too much might result in your arrest or might further hurt your case. Oftentimes when you give out too much information, it just makes you look more suspicious so keeping fairly quiet will be in your best interest. Try to avoid saying that you've had anything to drink at all because that just puts you on their radar.
2. Call an Attorney
If you do get arrested with a DUI charge, one of the first things that you should do is call a DUI attorney or a criminal defense attorney. These attorneys work to advocate on individuals' behalf to ensure that you get the lowest charges possible. Your attorney can work everything out including your court appearance, the discovery, and help build a strong case in your favor so that you can get back to living your life.
3. Don't Commit Another Crime
The last thing that you want to do is commit another crime like lying to the police or refusing to be cooperative. While you don't want to freely admit that you've been drinking, if you are asked if you have been drinking you can say "yes." Also, depending on the state that you live in if you are asked to step out of the car to do a DUI test, then you may need to cooperate otherwise they may charge you with failing to do so.
Don't drive drunk, but if you do find yourself fin one of these situations, reach out to a DUI attorney near you.