Dealing with a DUI Traffic Stop

Having a night out with friends is fun, and you may have had a few drinks along the way. Unfortunately, you also caught some blue lights on your way home, too. Now, you’ve been pulled over and you’re in trouble.  What do you need to know when you’re pulled over on a suspicion of a DUI? Check out the following steps you can take to make the stop easy and protect yourself.

Know Your Rights

When you’re pulled over, understand that the police can only ask you for so much. They can ask you to step out of the car, for example, but you don’t have to tell them anything about your situation. That’s because you can’t be forced to incriminate yourself.  However, it is best to take steps to protect yourself, too. You can’t just leave, for example, and you can’t do things that the officer may consider resisting arrest. Talk to your lawyer if the officers did anything suspicious or forceful during your traffic stop.

Field Sobriety Tests

When you’re pulled over, the police will test your sobriety before letting you go or arresting you. First, they may do a field sobriety test, which is usually a series of tests to show whether you’re visibly drunk. These may include walking in a straight line, looking at an object without moving your head, and standing on one leg.  These tests aren’t always perfect because health conditions can affect your balance, for example. If there is any doubt about your sobriety, the police may also give a breathalyzer test, which measures the amount of alcohol in your system, or blood alcohol concentration. If this level, or BAC level, is more than .08 percent, you could be arrested. 

Arrest and Bail Process 

After your arrest, your next concern is to get out of jail after you’re booked. You’ll be taken to jail, and typically, your car will be towed, too. Once you arrive, the police will gather your information for the booking process, including taking your picture and fingerprints.  Until your bail is posted, you’ll need to wait in a jail cell for your case to be processed. After that, the police will set bail based on whether you’re likely to show up to your court date. Usually, this means you’ll be held until you’re sober. 

Get Help after a DUI Traffic Stop

If you’ve been pulled over or arrested in a DUI traffic stop, you still have a chance to avoid charges, even if you failed the sobriety tests. Your lawyers at The Law Offices of Jeff C. Kennedy can help you build your case.  When you go to court, you have a chance to plead not guilty and avoid these charges, so get the help you need when dealing with a DUI stop. If you’re struggling to find a defense for your case, talk to a lawyer by calling 817-605-1010 or by visiting our website to learn more. 

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