What should I do if I’m pulled over for DUI?

A traffic stop is one of the highest-risk things a police officer does.

When an officer is walking up to your car, they have no idea what they are about to encounter.

Anything you can do to make the officer more at ease especially when approaching vehicle will make things go better for you.

If you are stopped during the day, make sure that your hands were on steering wheel where the officer can see them and roll your window down before the officer gets there.

If you're stopped at night, make sure that your interior light is on so the officer can see into your vehicle.

The officer will typically ask "How much did you have to drink tonight?"

That is the DUI equivalent of "When did you stop beating your wife?"

No matter how you answer, the officer will interpret your answer against you.

If you use what you think is the safe answer as "two," that is the answer that most police officers get and they won't believe you.

Even if you only had two drinks, the officer will not ask any other questions to narrow down when you actually had those drinks.

You best answer is "My lawyer told me not to answer that question."

At this point, the police officer will likely ask you to step out of your vehicle to "perform some tests."

These Field Sobriety "tests" are designed for you to fail
DO NOT DO
THEM
.

Most people asked me "well, won't I get arrested then?"

My answer always is that yes, you will likely be arrested, but you were probably going to get arrested anyway.

Why give the State extra evidence against you? Read about what to do when asked to take the breath test.

Read more about the Field Sobriety Exercises (the police call them Field Sobriety Tests), DUI defense in general, or download my FREE book "How to Choose a DUI Lawyer in Maryland." If you are facing DUI charges and want Scott to take a look at your case, complete the DUI Case Evaluation Form and Scott will contact you.