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Pulled Over Because Of A Suspected DWI? Know These 3 Things

If a police officer pulls you over because they suspect you have been drinking while driving, it is something that needs to be taken very seriously. Being convicted of a DWI can have major consequences, so you do not want to give the officer any reason to arrest during your traffic stop. These tips should help you handle the situation.

Comply With Requests From The Police Officer

A police officer can pull your car over if they have any reason to believe that you have been drinking and driving. Having hard evidence is not necessary, since they just need to be suspicious that drinking and driving is happening. Because of this, you should go along with requests made by the officer instead of being defensive.

You can actually be arrested if you do not comply with a police officer, commonly referred to as resisting arrest. If you have not been drinking or are within your legal limits, not following requests can be considered disrespectful or rude and lead to an arrest. You can always make a formal complaint about your treatment later, but in the moment do what you are told.

Do Not Refuse A Sobriety Test

Every state will have their own laws regarding sobriety tests. In general, if a police officer requests that you take a field sobriety test, you should not refuse it. Refusing the test can lead to more suspicious by the police officer, and give them a reason to arrest you.

Keep in mind that preliminary alcohol screenings are not admissible in court, since they are only used to determine if alcohol is in your system rather than the quantity of alcohol. A Breathalyzer test is different, since it actually measures the alcohol content in your system. Refusing a Breathalyzer test can cause your license to be suspended and a possible conviction of a criminal offense for refusing to take the test.

Hire A Lawyer

When you feel that you have been arrested unfairly for a DWI, you do have the right to request a lawyer. Do not talk to the police, and wait for your lawyer to arrive to answer any question being asked of you. It's important to have legal assistance from somebody that understands the laws in your state when it comes to DWIs, even if you're innocent. The consequences of making a mistake without legal help could result in fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. Contact a lawyer, such as Kayle Jackson, for more information. 


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