Should a police officer have reason to believe you’re driving under the influence of alcohol, they won’t hesitate to pull you over. Even if you’re sober, they want to get a better idea of what’s going on and whether or not you’re in condition to continue down the road.
A DUI traffic stop is every bit as stressful as it sounds, especially if you have alcohol in your system. Fortunately, when you’re aware of the most common mistakes people make, you can take steps to avoid them. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Saying too much: It’s likely that you’ll talk from time to time, but you don’t want to say anything outside of the basics. For example, if the officer asks if you’ve been drinking, it’s not a good idea to get into detail. A simple “no” is more than adequate.
- Protesting too much: The more you say that you’re not drunk and you don’t drink, the more it appears that you have something to hide. You’re best off keeping to yourself and letting the officer decide what they want to do next. The more you talk, the greater chance there is of a mistake.
- Talking about your legal rights: Even if you feel that the officer is violating your legal rights, don’t speak out. Instead, take mental notes so that you can use them in court should you be put under arrest. Telling the officer that you have rights, which is something they already know, won’t scare them. Once again, it gives them more reason to think you’re hiding something.
Along with the above, it’s a big mistake to resist arrest should it come to that. If the officer tells you that you’re under arrest, comply with their requests. Fighting back isn’t going to change their mind.
DUI charges are serious, as they can impact your future in a number of ways. From a license suspension to a large fine, you’ll have a lot to contend with. However, don’t assume that your charges will result in a conviction. You have the legal right to defend yourself, so settling on the right DUI defense strategy is a must.
