10 DUI Tips That Can Save You From a Conviction

Getting pulled over for a suspected DUI can be a very scary experienced, especially when you know that you have been drinking too much. If you follow these 10 tips, then you have no chance of incriminating yourself while pulled over.

Safely Pull Over

You should pull over safely as soon as you see the police lights flashing behind you. Pull to the right of the road and use your turn signal to indicate you are pulling over.

Stay in the Car

Turn off your engine once pulled over, and then keep your hands on the steering wheel. Trying to get out of the car or shuffling things around in the car will look very suspicious to the police officer.

Remain Calm

If you remain calm and do not look like you have something to hide, then the entire process will go much more smoothly. Panicking or acting strange are great clues to police officers that you know you did something wrong.

Do What the Cop Says

Once the cop comes up to your car, you should do everything that they tell you to do. You are only going to cause more problems for yourself if you refuse to listen and follow instructions.

Don’t Talk Too Much

It can be very hard to not talk too much while you have been drinking, but this is vitally important when being pulled over for a DUI. Answer any questions the cop may have, but do not volunteer any more information. This is most likely just going to get you into more trouble or an argument when the cop does not believe your story.

Don’t Say How Much You Drank

While you want to answer all of the cops questions, you should never tell them how much you have had to drink. Even saying “just one or two drinks” can come back to haunt you if arrested for a DUI. If asked this question, then you should tell the police officer that you do not recall how much you have drank.

Refuse Field Sobriety Tests

The cop is most likely going to ask you to perform several field sobriety tests at this point, but you should immediately refuse. These tests are completely voluntary and can’t be used in court, so there is no reason to risk incriminating yourself by failing one of their tests.

Do Not Take Breathalyzer

If you know you have been drinking too much, then it is also a good idea to refuse the breathalyzer test. This is most likely result in you being taken to the police station for a blood test, but it will actually help you in the long run.

Take Blood Test

If you are at the police station after refusing the breathalyzer, then you will be asked to submit to a blood test. Refusing to take this test will only result in your arrest and having your license suspended. Your BAC will be lower in the blood test than with the breathalyzer due to the extended amount of time it takes to get back to the station and complete the blood test.

Be Polite

It is also vitally important to remain polite throughout the entire process. The cops may be frustrated with you for refusing so many tests, but remaining polite the entire time then they will most likely not be too angry.