Know What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for DUI
Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals the beginning of summer. With warmer weather coming, more people will enjoy time out with friends, attend barbecues, and enjoy a few drinks at a local bar or restaurant. At the same time, Illinois police will be out in numbers looking for drunk drivers. If you have been pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence, there are certain things you should and should not do.
What Not to Do When Pulled Over on Suspicion of DUI
- Don’t become combative or defensive – Remain polite and civil to the officer and do not express any anger or frustration at being pulled over.
- Don’t volunteer any information – Beyond providing your license, vehicle registration, and other basic information, you do not need to volunteer any additional information about where you were or what you were doing. Remain polite, but avoid self-incrimination. You should not lie; just respectfully state that you won’t answer any questions until you have spoken with a lawyer.
- Don’t submit to field sobriety tests – These tests may show that you are intoxicated, but there is also a chance that they will be inaccurate or will be administered incorrectly. An officer can take your refusal as proof that you are under the influence and can arrest you. However, you have a better chance of beating the charges without the potentially flawed field test results.
What to Do When Pulled Over on Suspicion of DUI
- Obey all instructions from the officer – This includes pulling over promptly and safely, avoiding any potential traffic violations, and also providing the officer with the required documents and information.
- Remain calm – Officers are looking for physical and emotional responses as cues for potential impairment. Now is not the time to show your frustration.
- Call a DUI attorney – To collect all information about your arrest and organize your defense and it is best to call an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Consult a Kane County DUI Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI, you need an attorney who can craft a strong defense. The penalties for a conviction are harsh and can impact your life and your family for years to come. The Elgin DUI attorneys at The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola can provide you with the representation you need. Being arrested does not mean you will be convicted. Do not hesitate to call us at 847-488-0889 for a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/motorist/dui.htm