If you are like most people, the minute you see those flashing lights or hear a police siren, your blood pressure goes up, your palms begin to sweat and you start thinking about what you could have done to deserve getting pulled over. Police encounters can be unnerving.
However, there are specific steps you should take if you get pulled over for a DUI or DWI, especially since the penalties for DUI infractions can be severe. Therefore, these are steps you should take.
Pull over in a safe location
First, take a deep breath. Do not make any sudden hand or other movements as you search for a safe place to pull over. Choose areas with adequate lighting and space on both sides of the vehicle so the police have a safe approach.
Treat the officers with respect
If it is dark out, turn on your interior light. Keep your hands at the ten-and-two position on the steering wheel. Avoid sudden movements, and do not get out of the vehicle. When the police approach, roll down your window. Let the officers know if you plan to reach for anything. Speak respectfully.
Avoid field sobriety testing
Many things can give a false positive on a field sobriety or breathalyzer test. Therefore, kindly decline any field sobriety testing. The officers may arrest you, and you could lose your license for up to one year, but the penalties are better than a false positive.
Watch what you say
Answer the officer’s questions honestly, but respectfully decline answering questions that could be incriminating. Avoid talking where recording devices may be present.
Do not let police encounters make you feel uneasy. Give yourself the best defense by not drinking and driving and preparing yourself before you get pulled over.
