Maybe you’re under the influence of alcohol, but maybe you’re not. Regardless, if police have a reason to believe you’ve been drinking, they’re sure to pull your vehicle to the side of the road to better understand what’s going on.
During a DUI traffic stop, it’s easy to make a mistake that results in your arrest. And depending on the type of mistake you make, it could work against you when fighting your charges in court.
Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid during a DUI traffic stop:
- Getting out of your vehicle: Regardless of why you’re pulled over, suspicion of DUI or not, don’t get out of your vehicle. This poses a threat to the officer, which in turn puts your safety and well-being at risk. Stay where you are until the officer directs you to do otherwise.
- Explaining your legal rights: Even if you’re 100% clear of your legal rights, don’t share this knowledge with the officer. Not only is it confrontational, but it also gives them reason to believe that you’re under the influence.
- Saying too much: The first thing the officer will do is ask you for your license, registration and insurance card. From there, they may begin to ask questions, such as where you’re going and if you’ve consumed any alcohol. Keep your answers concise, as the more you say the more likely it is that you’ll slip. Also, don’t concoct a story to make it look like you aren’t intoxicated. The officer will see right through your lie.
- Resisting arrest: You hope it doesn’t come to this, but the officer may put you under arrest. Even though you’re frustrated and angry, resisting arrest will not improve your situation. Worse yet, it can result in additional criminal charges.
If you make one or more of these mistakes, you could doom yourself during a DUI traffic stop.
In the event of your arrest and formal criminal charges, review the circumstances surrounding your arrest so that you can devise the best possible defense strategy. This can help you avoid a conviction or lessen the penalties levied against you.
