Getting pulled over by a police officer for suspicion of drunk driving can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, what you do afterward can have a big impact on the outcome of your case. Here are a few steps to take if you’re pulled over for a DWI.
- Remain calm. While you may be very nervous, panicking will do you no good. Take a deep breath and pull over immediately to a safe spot. Remain in your vehicle and wait for the police officer to come to you.
- Be polite. Even if you believe the stop is unwarranted, you should still be courteous to the police officer. If you yell at the officer or make any threats, it can be used against you later on. Always speak to the officer in a calm and polite manner.
- Exercise your right to stay silent. Although you should be polite to the police officer, you’re under no obligation to give him or her information about your case. You only have to give the officer your full name, driver’s license, registration and insurance information. If the officer asks if you’ve been drinking, say that you don’t wish to answer any questions without a DWI lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT present.
- Don’t take a breath test unless you’re officially arrested. In Utah, you automatically consent to a breath test if you are under the suspicion of driving under the influence. However, you don’t have to consent to a breath test until you’re officially arrested. If the police officer asks you to take a breath test before you have been charged, you can refuse it.
