Seven Tips to Avoid a DUI Arrest and Conviction
1) Stop your car immediately upon being signalled by a police officer to stop. Pay attention to your driving as you stop. Watch the road, not the lights in your rearview mirror, and avoid pulling too far off the road or striking anything.
2) Locate your driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance and have them ready to show the officer. Avoid looking for items or trying to remove items from wallets, purses or other items, with the officer watching.
3) Avoid answering questions concerning where you have been or where you are going, and do not admit to having consumed alcohol. Do not lie; simply avoid answering. Be as polite as possible. You can avoid the questions by asking why you were stopped, telling the officer you would rather not discuss those issues or, if the officer is demanding, say you do not wish to answer questions or you wish to talk to an attorney. Talk as little as possible.
4) Comply with the officer's directions, but do no more than directed. Pay attention to what you are doing, where you are stepping and what you are doing with your hands. Do not remove things from your pocket, adjust your clothing or try to smoke. Avoid unnecessary movement, avoid closing your eyes or watching people or traffic. Do not divide your attention. Do not lean against or sit on the outside of the car. Keep your hands out of your pocket, but do not raise them to balance yourself.
5) If you are arrested or are advised of your right to remain silent, immediately ask for your attorney. The officer will probably not allow you to phone an attorney and will certainly not delay the arrest process to wait for your attorney to arrive. But, asking for your attorney is the best way to stop questioning. Once you ask for an attorney, do not start conversations with the officer; do not make statements to the officer; and, remember, if you talk to others, by phone or in person, and the officer can hear you, he can use any statements you make against you.
6) At your first opportunity, get legal advice. There are a number of procedural issues that must be addressed early. Your failure to act quickly may result in you losing defenses or your right to appeal certain penalties.
