Being convicted of driving under the influence can have serious repercussions on your personal and professional life. As such, it’s crucial to know how to properly conduct yourself if you’re pulled over on suspicion of a DUI. According to the defense attorney at The Law Office of Gregory G. St. John in Waterbury, CT, many people in this situation accidentally incriminate themselves because panic sets in or they are unaware of their rights. In business for over 40 years, the law firm has handled numerous DUI charges. Below, they share a few do’s and don’ts to remember if you find yourself facing a potential DUI arrest. 

Do:

Exercise your right to remain silent.

Under the law, you have the right to remain silent, and in circumstances like this, it’s best to say as little as possible. Don’t attempt to start defending yourself or trying to talk your way out of the situation. Keep in mind anything you say may be used against you, and it’s possible for your statements to get misconstrued. 

Cooperate with the police.

While you don’t want to say too much, not complying with the police or acting aggressively can make matters worse. Being polite and cooperative can help dissuade the officer from arresting you and tacking on additional charges. 

Consult with a defense attorney.

As soon as you are given the opportunity, exercise your right to a defense attorney so they can advise you on what steps to take next. The earlier in the process you retain legal representation, the sooner they can start putting together an effective DUI defense. 

Don’t: 

Submit to any field sobriety tests.

You aren’t legally obligated to take any roadside field sobriety tests and should politely refuse if requested to do so. These tests are voluntary and will provide law enforcement with probable cause to arrest you and more information to build a case against you. 

Answer additional questions.

The officer may continue to ask questions to figure out how much you’ve had to drink. Again, anything they ask is to gather evidence that you are driving under the influence. Simply let them know you wish to consult with an attorney before answering any questions. 

Consent to a search.

Unless you are placed under arrest, you are not required to allow an officer to search your person, vehicle, or personal belongings. If you have not been arrested, it’s in your best interest to respectfully refuse a search.

Following these tips can make all the difference in whether you are arrested for a DUI in the first place and how strong the evidence is against you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a defense attorney at The Law Office of Gregory G. St. John if you are pulled over by police. This will put you in the best position to challenge a DUI charge. Call (203) 759-0240 to discuss your case, and visit their website for more information on their other practice areas, including mediation and personal injury.