If you’ve been pulled over because a police officer suspects you were drinking and driving, it can be difficult and stressful to deal with the situation. That’s especially true if you’ve never been pulled over before.
Handling a DUI stop can be tough, and, at worst, it can lead to your arrest. That’s why we suggest being careful and taking the following steps if you’ve been stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence. Even if you’re still arrested during a traffic stop, your DUI attorney can help you recover more easily if you take these steps.
One of the most common questions people ask is whether they should consent to the Breathalyzer test. This is a difficult question to answer without knowing a lot more specific facts about your unique situation.
Typically, the best advice is to give the police officer as little information and evidence as possible. And, if you can help it, you should never speak to an officer without an attorney present.
However, if you perform well on field sobriety exercises, which will typically be recorded, that can help your case significantly later on. Also, If you blow under the legal limit for alcohol in your system, that will be a big help to your case if you’re charged with a DUI.
Most people won’t know exactly what they will blow, and that’s what makes the question of whether to take the Breathalyzer test so difficult to answer in the midst of a DUI stop.
The question becomes even more complicated if you’ve had a previous DUI conviction. If you have and you refused to submit to a Breathalyzer the first time around, you can actually be charged with a separate misdemeanor offense by refusing a second time. Many people don’t realize this and end up with two pending charges instead of just the DUI.
It is always a good idea and very important to stay respectful with the police officer. That’s because 90 percent of your interactions will be recorded, and any attitude or offensive/aggressive words or actions could cause the state attorney to not want to give you a good plea offer, or a judge or jury to not like you. Ultimately, a jury that doesn’t like you could find you guilty of DUI due to your interactions with the arresting officer rather than the actual facts of your case.
The system isn’t supposed to work that way, but it does, so you should do everything possible to come off as a respectful person throughout your interactions with law enforcement.
Keep in mind that, no matter what happened during the stop, a DUI lawyer in Tampa can help you fight to have your DUI charge reduced or dropped.
When you’re stopped on suspicion of a DUI, it’s easy to freeze up and be unsure of what to do. You might be unsure of what to say or how to act, and that can lead to a more serious problem, such as recorded interaction that causes a state attorney or jury to view you unfavorably.
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to face this difficult situation without help. Instead of handling your DUI charge alone, reach out to the attorneys at Hersem Law. Starting with a free strategy session, we can help you deal with your DUI arrest and fight your charge with every available resource.
When you’re ready, get started by calling 813-251-7291 or by visiting us online to learn more.
Hersem Law is a full-service law firm representing diverse clients throughout the Tampa Bay area. Our combination of criminal and civil law experience allows us to understand all of our clients' needs and ensure their objectives are met. We're always working toward the most effective, immediate resolution while taking precautions to avoid potential problems. Attorney Christopher Hersem is a native Floridian and Tampa speeding ticket lawyer who was born and raised in Clearwater. He is dedicated to helping Floridians win their cases.When you need a defense attorney in Tampa, give our firm a call.... View full business profile here: Hersem Law
