Would you know what to do if you were pulled over on of suspicion of driving while intoxicated? Most people would respond by indicating that they would be polite and comply with the officer’s requests, including answering all questions honestly.
While it is always important to display the upmost respect to law enforcement, even when you are the one being investigated, it is also important for you to protect yourself. Simply put, there are some basic guidelines to remember that will help prevent you from offering up any unnecessary and incriminating evidence. Further, these guidelines can help prevent the situation from escalating.
The following are some guidelines of what you should not do when you are pulled over:
- Do not hesitate to pull over. Emergency lights on = Your car is instantly pulled over. While we’re talking about pulling over, this might seem to go without saying, but make sure you pull over safely and correctly.
- Roll your window down, all the way. Don’t add to the suspicion with a cracked window, that screams, “I’m hiding something!”.
- Don’t Argue. Ever.
- Despite popular belief, don’t ever try to turn on the waterworks to wriggle your way out of the stop. When you are involved a DWI investigation, any irrational actions (including crying) will just add notes to the police report. Stay calm and rational. This includes no laughing, no joking, and definitely no begging for leniency.
- Do not try to explain bad driving.
- Do not offer explanation of how much you drank, what you drank, where you drank, so on and so forth. Don’t admit to any alcohol consumption.
- Never try to perform field sobriety tests in uncomfortable shoes, such as work boots and high heels.
- Don’t offer up any information other than what is on your driver’s license.
Remember, it is okay to politely ask to speak with an attorney. In fact, you should ask to speak with an attorney before you offer up any information to an officer.
For more information on how to handle the situation if you are ever pulled over, take a look at our main site.