Avoid these things to minimize your chances of being arrested.
You’re driving home after a night on the town when you see flashing lights and hear sirens behind you. What should you do?
While nobody wants to be pulled over by the police, having it happen after you have had a drink or two can be very stressful. Saying or doing the wrong thing can mean the difference between an arrest and driving away unscathed. So how do you know what exactly you should do?
In other posts, we have explored the things you should do when you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. Here, we will explain the things that you shouldn’t do if you are pulled over. Take it from our team of experienced DUI lawyers in Riverside, CA: avoiding these things can make all of the difference in whether or not you are arrested! Read on to learn more about what NOT to do if you are pulled over for a DUI.
Don’t Wait to Pull Over
If you see lights and hear sirens, it is important to pull over as soon as safely possible. Doing so indicates to the police that you are seeing and reacting appropriately to other drivers on the road (i.e.: that you are not too intoxicated to drive safely, at least in this respect). More importantly, if you take your time in pulling over, coasting for a few blocks to find a place, it could signal to the officers that you are trying to stash something (such as drugs or a gun) before pulling over. This could lead to a more aggressive response from the police once you are stopped. Instead, once you realize that you are being pulled over, stop as soon as you can (as long as it is safe to do so).
Don’t Talk Too Much
As a general rule, when people think that they might be in trouble, they may try to talk themselves out of it. But when it comes to interactions with the police — particularly one involving a potential DUI — it is a bad idea to volunteer any information. Doing so will rarely help you, and is more likely to be used against you in a criminal prosecution. Provide the necessary information — name, address, phone number — and do not offer anything additional. If the police continue to question you, you can invoke your right to remain silent.
Don’t Cop an Attitude
It’s a simple fact of life: the more polite a person is, the more likely it is that he or she will be treated with respect. The same is true with police encounters. If you remain polite and respectful — even if the police are provoking you or being hostile — then you are more likely to have a favorable outcome in your case. No matter how tempted you might be to respond aggressively to the police, keep in mind that doing so can only hurt an eventual case.
Don’t Get Out of Your Car or Take Your Hands Off of the Wheel
When the police pull someone over, they typically do not know what to expect. Is that person armed, hostile or aggressive? Will this driver try to do something, like drive away or pull a weapon? Keeping this reality in mind can often be critical to a safe police encounter.
If you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, do not get out of your car. It is unsafe for the police AND for you to do so. You should also keep your hands on the wheel of your car, where they are easily seen by the police. This will ensure that the police don’t think that you are going to grab a weapon or attempt to drive away.
If you have been arrested for a DUI, your best plan of action is to contact a skilled DUI lawyer in Riverside, CA. The Chambers Law Firm is committed to defending Californians on DUI charges in Riverside and the surrounding areas. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation and find out how we can help you.
