When out with your friends or family at an event or favorite restaurant be mindful of the amount of alcohol you drink if you are also responsible for driving yourself or loved ones home. At all times when drinking alcohol is involved make sure you choose a designated driver. If you are alone and driving, leave the car overnight and get a ride home. The inconvenience is minimal compared to the nightmare of a DWI arrest.
If you find yourself driving after drinking alcohol and are stopped by police, heed the following guidelines.
Be Courteous
Pull over safely, roll down your window, shut off your music, do not turn on the overhead light, and leave your hands on the steering wheel.
Be Prepared to Provide Basic Information
Basic information means your name, your driver’s license, proof of car insurance, and vehicle registration.
You are Under Video and Audio Surveillance
You are probably familiar with the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. A video, then, is worth hundreds of thousands of words. The police officer’s camera starts rolling before the police officer turns on his or her siren and flashing lights. For your purposes, just believe the camera turns off when you return to your own home and get into your own bed.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent
The right to remain silent is available at all times – before, during, and after an arrest. It only works if you remain silent. Any and all statements you make during a police investigation will be used against you. The police officer is trying to build a case against you that supports the arrest and charges. Respectfully invoke your right to remain silent, and stay quiet.
The police officer will ask you incriminating questions. Ask for your attorney to be present during questioning and do not answer any questions without him or her. Simply tell the police officer you would like to exercise your right to remain silent and stay quiet.
Refuse Field Sobriety Tests
Refuse to participate in any field sobriety tests and do not take a breathalyzer test without your lawyer’s presence. There is no penalty for refusing to participate in field sobriety testing. Tell the police officer that you wish for your attorney to be present during the administration of the field sobriety test. When asked to blow into a breathalyzer, refuse. You will be placed under arrest and read your rights. Continue to state that you are exercising your right to remain silent and request the presence of your attorney.
Challenge License Suspension Immediately
Following your arrest, your license will be suspended or revoked. You only have fifteen (15) days to request review of the suspension or revocation or the suspension or revocation becomes permanent.
Contact a Lawyer Immediately
If you have been pulled over for suspected drunk driving and arrested, call the law offices of Kimberly Griffin Tucker at (214) 445-6336 or visit her website as soon as practicable for immediate DWI Defense representation.