Even if you are 100 percent sober, there is always the possibility that you could be pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence. This is extremely serious, as you don’t want to be charged with a crime that you did not commit.
Police often look for any excuse possible to pull you over. For instance, they may look for a burnt out headlight. Or maybe they will say that you were traveling out of your lane of traffic. Regardless, once you are pulled over, they can then go through the steps necessary to see if you have been drinking and driving.
There are many things you can do to protect your rights during a DUI stop. First and foremost, be courteous with the officer regardless of how you are being treated in return.
There is nothing wrong with being courteous, but this doesn’t mean you should admit to anything. While you may feel stressed out during this time, you don’t want to admit to something that you didn’t do.
If you make any admission, even if it doesn’t appear serious, it is sure to be used against you in the future.
If the officer questions whether you have been drinking alcohol, don’t hesitate to reply with “why do you ask?” It is important to use neutral responses to your advantage.
In the event that you haven’t been drinking, you have nothing to hide. But even if you have had a drink, it doesn’t mean that you are impaired.
Since your rights may have been compromised during a DUI stop, it never hurts to consult with an attorney as your case moves forward.
Source: National Motorists Association, “How To Protect Your Rights During A DUI Traffic Stop,” accessed Aug. 04, 2016
