Do These Three Things If You’re Pulled Over For A Potential DUI Arrest

For your safety and the safety of those who share the road with you, it is critical that you do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  When you get behind the wheel and are under the influence of any substance, you are putting yourself, the passengers in your vehicle and other drivers who are on the road with you at the same time at risk of getting into a New Haven auto accident which could lead to serious injury or death.

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Awareness Month and it is important to understand the steps you should be taking to avoid getting into a situation where you are risking your life while driving.  The holidays are a festive time, but there is also a time when more and more people are out celebrating and not doing it safely.  To ensure that you are safe you should always designate a driver or plan to travel to and from your destination via a ride share service like Uber.  These are the two safest options and should always be exercised unless you are able to stay the night wherever you are celebrating and in that case you won’t need to get behind the wheel and put anyone at risk.

If you do get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you are not only putting yourself and other drivers at risk of injury or death, but if you are lucky enough to escape injury, you are putting yourself at risk of getting pulled over and accused of Driving Under The Influence (DUI.)  A New Haven DUI arrest can not only be devastating for you in the short term, but it can also bring further consequences to your life long-term that may be very difficult to come back from and you should do everything you can to not put yourself in a situation where you could be arrested for this.

Whether you are sober or have been drinking or doing drugs, if you get pulled over, you should follow these steps to make sure you do not get yourself in more trouble then you already may be.

1.) Treat the officer who has pulled you over with respect and be polite.  If an officer is approaching your vehicle, you do not want to cause any additional issues by being rude or aggressive toward law enforcement.  Follow the officer’s initial instructions and be on your best behavior.

2.) You can politely decline to answer any questions that the officer asks you when you are pulled over.  You can decline to make any statements without a lawyer present because if you admit to doing something wrong that can be used against you if you are brought to court.  If you remain silent or request an attorney be present, that cannot be used against you.

3.) Decline any field sobriety tests.  You are not required by law to participate in these tests and if you do participate in the test you may be giving the officer evidence against you to be used later to prove your guilt.  You can politely decline to take a field sobriety test of any kind without penalty against you.

We would strongly advise you to not put yourself in a situation where you may be suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and find yourself arrested and in need of a New Haven DUI defense attorney.  Make a good decision this holiday season and celebrate responsibly.  You do not want to put yourself in a situation where you are having to follow these rules to stay out of jail.  However, if you are in a situation where you are pulled over, you should follow these steps to give yourself the best chance of protecting your long-term rights.

Our experienced attorneys will work with you if you are in need of assistance.  Contact our office and one of our attorneys who has experience with this type of case will work with you to protect your long-term interests.