5 Things to Do During a DUI Stop

We've all done it before. Had a couple of drinks with dinner and then driven home. You feel fine. You've done this hundreds of times with no problems. And you don't feel drunk at all. And then you see the flashing lights behind you, and the nervousness sets in. The cop comes up, asks for your information, and then asks the question you didn't want to hear, "Have you had anything to drink tonight?" Although this situation is scary, it doesn't have to be. Knowing what to do when stopped by the cops is 99% of the battle. And luckily you have a Seattle DUI attorney here with five tips to help you through it.

1. Don't tell the cops how much you've had to drink

We've all got Constitutional rights. We've got the right to remain silent and we've got the right not to incriminate ourselves. These rights exist whether or not you are under arrest. They exist when you are in your car and a police officer is asking you questions. Don't be afraid to exercise these rights.

When cops start asking you about where you've been, where you're going, or what you've been drinking, they are concerned about your well being or trying to chat you up. They are trying to gather information to use against you at a later time. They are also in the beginning stages of investigating you for DUI.

2. Don't take field sobriety tests

In the State of Washington (and if you are in another state check your state's laws), field sobriety tests are 100% voluntary. This means if you refuse to do field sobriety tests they can't immediately arrest you for DUI (though they might - it's okay though, that will be good for you later). Often officers will ask you if you want to take field sobriety tests in a way that makes you think you have to take them. You don't.

And you don't want to. Field sobriety tests won't tell an officer if you can safely drive a vehicle. What they will do is give him that much more information to use against you later to prove your were driving under the influence.

3. Don't take a portable breath test

The reasons for this are the same reasons as point number 2. You don't have to take it. It doesn't help you, it helps them, and they are unreliable to boot. Just say no.

4. The moment you feel uncomfortable ask to speak with a DUI attorney

You are supposed to be entitled to a Seattle DUI attorney the moment you are placed under arrest. Under arrest means in a position that a reasonable person would not feel that they are free to leave. Once you ask for an attorney when you are under arrest, the police are supposed to stop questioning you and take reasonable steps to get you an attorney. You should take advantage of your Constitutional Rights and get a lawyer as soon as possible.

And don't let the cops try to talk you out of this. Asking for a lawyer does not make you look guilty. It makes you look smart. People ask for attorneys because they need expert help to deal with the police. Don't be afraid to get help.

5. Remain calm and respectful to the police

A DUI investigation is not a fun experience. And the cops may not be very nice. But you have to remain calm and hold your tongue. If you don't your actions will be used against you later. Guaranteed. The calmer you remain and the less you let the cops frazzle you the better.

The next time you are stopped and investigated for a Seattle DUI, put these five points to good use. You'll be glad you did.