What to Do if You Ever Get Caught Driving Under Influence

Whether it’s driving back home from a boozy party or a “gardening” session at a friend’s place, instances of DUIs are sadly all too common nationwide. It may be that you’ve failed to make prior arrangements, got an emergency across town, and had no other choice but to get behind the wheel. Regardless, getting pulled over under these circumstances can get you in quite a bit of trouble. So, to help you minimize the damage, we go over what you should and shouldn’t do, as well as how to behave if you’re ever caught driving under the influence.

Remain Collected and Calm

Provided you’re still sober enough to hear and see those police sirens in your visor, your first reflex should be to keep yourself cool. Do not panic. You’re most likely aware that you shouldn’t be operating a vehicle in your condition, but there you are. Find a place where you can safely pull over, and do it conscientiously so as not to raise the officer’s suspicions; this is typically the first telltale sign that someone is inebriated or impaired, and that goes in the police report.

Also, try to keep your anxiety under control, as that could easily be used against you. Do not make any sudden movements or attempt to exit your car, either. Keep your hands on the wheel, and patiently wait for the officer to approach your window and ask for identification.

Do Not Lie

Once the officer asks for license and registration, which you’re legally obligated to present, they’ll start making careful observations. It is their job to ensure that the roads are safe, so it’s only natural that they’ll ask whether you’ve been drinking or consuming illegal substances. In the event that this happens, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is not to lie. According to the blog post, Denver DUI Attorney, Colorado-based attorneys clearly state that a charge is not a conviction, and this is why it’s best that you contact your lawyer immediately. Hiring the services of a specialized lawyer to advocate on your behalf, at the police station, or in front of a prosecutor or judge, will be your best line of defense.

Decline the Field Sobriety Test

Know that you are under no strict obligation to undergo a field sobriety test. Officers typically ask a driver they suspect to be inebriated to walk a few steps over a straight line in order to assess whether he or she is indeed under the influence. Do not submit. While your refusal might draw up further suspicions, wait until you have the chance to undergo a scientifically viable intoxication test, rather than rely on subjective assessments. Otherwise, you give the officer all the proof they need for an incriminating police report, which can have grave consequences.

Refuse the Breathalyzer

Likewise, hand-held breathalyzer devices are the police’s best weapon to ascertain your non-sobriety on the spot. The only issue is that they’re wildly unreliable, which is why you should decline to “blow”. Most often, this results in having your license revoked immediately; but again, this is preferable to going to jail. In case you’re being taken into custody, however, you are under obligation to submit to advanced chemical tests (blood draws, more sophisticated breathalyzer machines). Should you refuse, this will be considered resisting arrest and can lead to an ever more serious fallout.

Elaborate Your Defense Strategy

After you’ve been resealed, seek the best defense lawyer and prepare your strategy for the court appearance. Keep and write down a detailed account of everything that you can remember surrounding your arrest. It’s important to do this as soon as possible, while the memories are still fresh in your mind. Note what you were doing that night, what you consumed, where and when you got pulled over, what the officer told/asked you, etc. Even minor details can help get you exonerated, provided you have an experienced attorney by your side.

All things considered, DUIs are some of the most common motives for why people get arrested behind the wheel every year. Their consequences range from having your license revoked to hefty fines and even jail sentences, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Now, whether this is your first offense, the best thing you can do upon getting caught is to keep your composure, be polite with the officer, and never lie. Even though you may be at fault, remember that you have rights that a qualified lawyer can help you ascertain to protect your interests and avoid conviction.