Getting pulled over by the police, especially in light of recent occurrences, can be a grueling experience. It’s even worse if you know you have done something wrong, such as driving under the influence (DUI). This article explores what to do when you get pulled over by the police for a DUI and when to involve a DUI lawyer.
What To Do When Pulled Over for a DUI
If you’re pulled over for a DUI, here is what you should do.
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Slow Down
Ensure that you slow down as soon as you realize that the police are trying to pull you over. Use your turn signal and slowly pull over to the side of the road and park.
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Stay in the Car
Don’t get out of the car to meet the police. Stay in the car with your hands on the wheel and wait for the police officer to meet you. Do not attempt to reach for anything in the vehicle unless the police officer asks you to.
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Be Polite
Do not be rude to the police officers. Answer their questions as calmly and rationally as you can. Greet them before you speak to them and follow every direction they give. Don’t make any panicked moves.
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Do Not Admit to Drinking
If you have been drinking, you should NOT admit to having been driving under the influence. Give the police officer the necessary details such as your name, driver’s license, insurance details, etc. However, if they ask you if you have been drinking or how much you have been drinking, you can decline to answer.
It is important to take note of this because admitting to drinking might be incriminating yourself. Idaho laws indicate what exactly the law considers to be driving under the influence. It means that you could have been driving after drinking but not necessarily be under the influence of alcohol. The questions from the police will probably not establish that fact. Not admitting to drinking makes it easier for a Boise DUI attorney to argue your case.
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Do Not Take Field Sobriety Tests
While you may have heard otherwise, you can decline to take field sobriety tests. The police cannot force you to perform these tests as they should be voluntary. Of course, you would need to comply if the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle.
However, you are within your rights to decline to take these tests. It is important to note this because field sobriety tests are specific balancing tests that you can fail even if you were 100% sober. It happens if you have a poor balance.
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Do Not Take Chemical Tests
As is the case with field sobriety tests, you should not take chemical tests when pulled over by the police. This includes breath, blood, or urine tests. The police should only administer these tests when you voluntarily agree to submit to them. So, they cannot force you to take the test. If you need to give the police a reason for not taking the test, you can mention your Boise DUI lawyer asked you not to.
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Choose an Experienced DUI Attorney in Boise
If you get arrested for driving under the influence, you should ensure that you contact a lawyer who has experience with DUI cases. At Trilogy Law Group, our lawyers have years of trial experience, and we will represent you to the best of our abilities.
What Happens if I Get Pulled Over for a DUI in My Friend’s Car?
It is not very likely that your friend will face charges if you get pulled over for a DUI in their vehicle. It is possible that the police can charge them as an accessory, but that is in very rare cases.
However, if your friend played an active role in the DUI, the police might charge them. An example of this is if your friend realized that you were drunk but still asked you to drive. If this happens, your friend would need to contact Boise DUI lawyers to represent them.
Furthermore, your friend might have some issues if you got into an accident while driving under the influence. The victim may sue your friend for “Negligent entrustment” or “Vicarious liability.” A DUI Lawyer in Boise will also ensure that your friend can get off from these charges if filed.
Let Us Help You Get Started!
If you or any of your loved ones get pulled over for a DUI, you should contact a Boise DUI lawyer to represent you as soon as you can. At Trilogy Law Group, our attorneys have years of experience representing DUI cases. We also have the resources to ensure that we reduce the lasting consequences of these types of cases. Contact us today to get started.