You’ve been out with friends and had a drink or two. You may or may not be legally intoxicated, but you get behind the wheel. Next thing you know, there are red, white, and blue lights in your rearview mirror. Your hands begin to tremble as you pull the car to the side of the road and figure out what you’re going to say to the officer when asked if you’ve been drinking.
Rather than try to talk your way out of it, keep your wits about you. This is may be very difficult, but it’s critical. Your Columbus Ohio DUI lawyer recommends that you be polite and courteous at all times. Police perform a dangerous and difficult job, and approaching a strange car at night with no backup is stressful for them as well. If you spout out in anger, you could get yourself in more trouble. Just stay calm.
Next, you should have all of your driving, registration, and insurance information handy. Do NOT reach for your glove box or wallet until the officer has reached your window. Roll down the window, keep your seatbelt on, and wait. Once the officer reaches the window, wait until he asks for your information. Then tell the officer that you have to reach across to the glove box and reach for your wallet. It’s a good idea to keep your registration and insurance information in a distinctive envelope on top of everything else in your glove box so you do not fumble. The officer will be looking at your every move, so make it easy on yourself and be organized.
Next, you should avoid talking any more than absolutely necessary. The police are looking for you to slur words.
You may be asked things like “Do you know why I pulled you over?” The best answer is “no.” This is actually a question that is designed to get you to admit that you were speeding or that you went through a red light or something similar. Your Columbus Ohio DUI lawyer recommends that you not fall for it. You may be asked where you are going or what you are doing out so late. You do not have to answer the questions.
The officer will probably be shining his flashlight through your window into your face with the light about a foot or so from your face, blinding you. This is classic interrogation technique that helps the officer control the situation from a tactical standpoint. It also lets the officer get close enough to smell your breath, clothes, and car.
You may be asked if you were drinking. If you admit to drinking, you’ll get the full treatment. If you lie, you could face additional charges. You should simply answer, “I’d rather not say.” If the officer asks you to blow in his face, you do not have to comply. If he asks you how much you’ve had to drink, you should simply say “I’d rather not answer.” Saying “I forget” implies that you were drinking so much you can’t remember.
If you are asked to take a breathalyzer test or a field sobriety test, you can refuse, but be aware that you will immediately have your license suspended. Often, it’s better to take the tests. If you are calm and have not been drinking in the past few hours, you just might pass the tests or there may irregularities in the testing that can be challenged later.
If you are stopped on a suspicion of drunk driving and are arrested and charged, you need the guidance and expertise of an experienced Columbus Ohio DUI lawyer. It’s a good idea to have our phone number in your wallet so it’s available when you or a friend need it.
But remember, don’t drink and drive.
Tags: columbus ohio dui lawyer, DUI, DUI Legalities, field testing
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