Do's And Dont's If You Are Stopped For A DUI

DO’S

1. Do be polite to the officer. Arrogance and a bad attitude will only increase the chances of your being arrested.
2. Do provide biographical information such as your name and address, but see below advice on other questions.
3. Do keep your documents in an easy to find place. Officers presume you are impaired if you are fumbling around for your DL and registration.
4. Do maintain your innocence at your first appearance hearing and plead not guilty and bond out.

DONT’S

1. Don’t drive drunk!  Our best advice.
2. Don’t answer questions that will incriminate you such as where you have been, or what you have had to drink. You don’t have to answer!
3. Don’t take the sobriety exercises unless the officer allows you to call your attorney first. Otherwise refuse! They are not mandatory.
4. Don’t allow the officer to search you or your vehicle. They need a lawful basis to do so and simply consenting waives your rights.
5. Don’t take the breath test unless you have refused one in the past. It is now a crime to refuse twice or more. However, if it is your first DUI, do no submit to the breath, urine or blood test unless the officer allows you to call your attorney for advice first. Your license may be suspended if you refuse, but it will also be suspended if you blow over the legal limit. They will not tell you that! The only way they can compel a blood test is if you are in an accident and death or serious bodily injury occurs.
6. Don’t resolve your case the next morning in court if you are arrested. It is possible that an attempt will be made to convict you of the DUI right then and there. Do not do it, and do not sign any plea forms. Simply plead not guilty and bond out. You do not have to plead no contest or guilty to get out of jail!

Of course this is simply a basic guide and should not be considered official legal advice. Should you require specific legal advice to your individual case, please contact us for a free case analysis. Call 904-858-9818 Now.