5 Best Practices For Handling DUI Stop
What are the Best Practices For Handling A DUI Stop?
Each and every day across the country thousands of people are stopped for potential DUI-related offenses. One of the best ways to avoid a DUI traffic stop is to simply refrain from drinking prior to or while driving. However, DUI traffic stops do occur regardless of whether somebody has been drinking or not. When this happens, there are some best practices that can be implemented in order to handle a DUI stop in the best way possible.
1. Safely pull over to the side of the road
When you know you are being stopped, it is best to exercise good judgment and pull over to a safe part of the road. It is also recommended to keep hands on the 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock position of the steering wheel.
2. Don’t reach for anything until approved to do so
It is never a good idea to reach for anything in the vehicle until making contact with the officer. In fact, it is actually not a bad idea to ask if it is okay to move your hands to retrieve your driver license or insurance information. This will make the stop far more comfortable for both you and the officer.
3. Remain Silent
It is important to remember that it is best to decline making any type of unnecessary statements when being pulled over. Every individual in the country has a constitutional right to remain silent whether or not they are guilty of an infraction or violation of the law. It is even permissible to respond to an officer who has asked you a question by saying that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent or ask to speak to an attorney.
4. Stay calm and act friendly
Always be polite, cordial and friendly regardless of whether or not you choose to talk.
5. Decline a field sobriety test, choose to take a chemical or breath test
While each case is different, most experts agree that it is generally better to decline taking the field sobriety test. In prior cases, this has only served to hurt the client’s case. In addition, these same experts also frequently recommend declining the preliminary alcohol screening test. However, they also recommend not refusing a chemical test after arrest or a breath test. This is simply due to the fact that refusing a chemical test can result in more serious consequences, such as losing your license, while accepting a breath test can actually work in one’s favor in court.
Contact Van Norman Law today to learn more about a DUI lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona who is focused and dedicated to clients.