How To Handle A Police DUI Stop
Sunday, September 21st, 2008Don’t drink and drive. Let’s make it even plainer – if you plan to get behind the wheel of a car at any time within a 24 hour period, don’t drink any alcohol. It’s been said many times, but people still don’t listen.
It’s an established fact that different people of various sizes metabolize alcohol differently, so don’t take a chance with your life and the lives of other by trying to judge how much alcohol you can drink before you are impaired. Even one or two drinks can cause you to have impaired judgment. Keep in mind that driving while impaired and driving while intoxicated are serious crimes.
However, since people often do stupid things, they are out there drinking and then driving their cars. If you do drink and drive and are stopped by the police, you can minimize the risk of being charged or convicted by following a few simple rules.
Be prepared. If you are organized and have all the proper documentation ready to hand to the officer, it will go a long way towards making you look good. Obviously, if you can’t find what you need, or are messing around looking for papers, you won’t make a great impression on anyone.
Be calm. If you are all upset and/or acting aggressively, you may cause an officer to believe this is a sign of impairment. Don’t get stressed out. When the officer approaches your car, roll down your window and keep your hands on the wheel. When addressed by the officer, respond politely and speak clearly.
Be quiet. Don’t admit to anything. If you are asked if you have had anything to drink, ask why they want to know, so they can describe the behavior that caused them to pull you over. If you admit to drinking they can and will administer a blood alcohol test. You are not obligated to answer any questions other than your name and address, and need only supply the officer with your documents.
Be polite. Don’t yell at or argue with the officer. Obviously, if you are overly aggressive or angry, the officer may feel that you are impaired and will insist on a sobriety or blood alcohol test. While it may be difficult to refuse to answer questions politely, it can be done if you keep your cool. If you are polite when answering initial questions, its possible that the officer may not even ask if you have been drinking.
Be smart. If you are asked to get out of the car, do so, but do not agree to any testing on the roadside, if you can. Avoid giving the officer any reason to administer the blood alcohol test. They cannot administer the test without a reasonable suspicion that you are impaired, so don’t give them one. However, if the officer insists on a sobriety or blood alcohol test, you may have to submit to testing, as there could be severe penalties for a refusal to take the testing.
Remember, your best bet is to never drink and drive. That way, you don’t have to worry about remembering any of these rules.