If you’ve been drinking, it’s never a good idea to get behind the wheel for any reason. Driving while under the influence places you in a compromised situation and endangers everyone else around you. While we always advise you to drink responsibly, we understand that mistakes are made. If you ever find yourself in a scenario where you have been pulled over for a suspected DUI, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here are the eight most important things to keep in mind if you get pulled over for DUI.
What Do I Do When I Get Pulled Over For DUI?
If you are ever pulled over for a suspected DUI offense, there are a few things you need to be aware of. While it’s best to avoid this situation altogether, we want you to be aware of your rights and conduct yourself in the safest manner possible to avoid further incidents. The following is a step-by-step guide for what to do if you are ever pulled over for a suspected DUI?
1. Find a Safe Place to Pull Over
As soon as you see the red and blue flashing lights, find a safe place to pull over. The arresting officer will most definitely be taking note of how you pull over. If your driving is erratic, too slow, or if you pull over in an unsafe location, the officer will write this down in their report notes.
2. Be Polite to the Officer
Once you have found a safe place to pull over, be prepared to be polite to the officer. Even if you think you are in the right, remain calm and show respect to the officer. If you appear to be rude or hostile, this will most definitely impact you negatively. If you insult the arresting officer, they are much more likely to fill out a very incriminating police report.
3. Don’t Make Any Sudden Movements
As you prepare to be on your best and most respectful behavior, remember to remain still as the arresting officer approaches your vehicle. Officers are trained to be cautious and to protect themselves. To protect yourself during arrest, don’t make any sudden movements. The best practice is to keep your head up and place your hands at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions while you wait for further instructions from the officer.
4. Do Not Incriminate Yourself
After the officer has approached the vehicle, do not reveal any incriminating information. You do need to remain respectful and provide your name, license, registration, and insurance information to the officer. However, if the officer asks if you’ve been drinking, you do not have to provide an answer. Never lie during police questioning. Simply say, “I’m sorry, Officer, but I’ve been advised not to answer any questions.” This response may lead to an automatic arrest and the loss of your license. However, it will help your case if further prosecution is taken.
5. Do Not Submit Any Field Sobriety Tests
Along with not verbally incriminating yourself, do not submit any field sobriety tests (such as walking in a straight line or balancing on one leg). An officer will likely ask you to comply with a field sobriety test. However, it is well within your rights to refuse this type of test. This does not mean you should refuse a breathalyzer or other chemical test. Refusing a hand-held breathalyzer will almost always result in an automatic suspension of your license. Once you’re at the station, you will need to take a chemical test. If given a choice between a blood test or a breath test at the station, always choose the breath test. Breath tests are much more unreliable, making their validity easier to dispute in court.
6. Refrain From Making Any Statement to the Police
Remember to avoid making any statements to the police while in the squad car or at the station. There are most likely microphones and cameras recording these interactions. It is in your best interest to say as little as possible during this time.
7. Write Down Everything About Your Arrest After Your Release
Once you have been released from the station, immediately write down everything you can remember about your arrest. It is extremely important to have a detailed account of the arrest from your perspective. Having this information will allow an attorney to represent you in a court of law better. Write down details like:
- Where you were leaving from
- Where you planned on going
- How much you had to drink
- What you had to drink
- How long after drinking were you pulled over
- How the officer behaved
- What the officer instructed and how you responded
- Where you were pulled over
- When and where you were read your Miranda rights
- When or if you took the chemical test
- How long it had been since your last drink when you took the chemical test
8. Contact an Attorney Immediately
After you’ve written down everything you can remember about your arrest, contact a DUI attorney immediately. Having an experienced attorney on your side will always be in your best interest.
Consult with a Colorado DUI Attorney Today
If you’ve recently been arrested for a DUI in Colorado, consult with an experienced DUI attorney today. DUI charges can be challenging to navigate alone. To achieve the best possible outcome in your case, call a Colorado DUI attorney today. You only have seven days following a DUI arrest to request a hearing, otherwise, your license is automatically suspended, so you need to act fast!
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
