Many people think being pulled over after having a few drinks is an automatic ticket to spend the night in jail and start calling in some expert DUI accident attorneys. IN reality, there are many factors that play into this – and being aware of all of them can help increase your chances of walking away from the scene without being charged.
This article courtesy of the accident lawyer experts at Accidents.com.
Here are some of the top myths about being pulled over for a suspected DUI:
Myth #1: You should defend yourself by telling the officer where you’ve been and how many drinks you’ve had.
This is absolutely not true. One of the worst things you can do is let the officer know where you’ve been and more importantly, how much you’ve had to drink. If it’s found that you’re intoxicated, all of this evidence can later be used against you in court.
Myth #2: I’m required to take a field sobriety test.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about being pulled over. You’re not, under any circumstances, required to take a field sobriety test. In fact, many experts advise against it because they can be up to 30% inaccurate. Many outside factors like flashing lights, heavy traffic, and even the weather conditions, can cause a lower performance score than usual.
Myth #3: I have to take a Breathalyzer test.
Some states don’t require you to take a Breathalyzer test, and instead you could opt for a blood test or urine test. If you’re confident you’re under the legal limit, request a blood and urine test instead. This is also a better choice if you’ve been drinking a lot of water, as it could dilute the urine test and show your results as normal.
Myth #4: Any lawyer will work on my case.
If you are taken to the police station, you have the right to call a lawyer. But don’t call just anyone. Find someone who specializes in DUI cases because they know the ins and outs of what the judge and jury are looking for and will best be able to defend you if your case gets taken to court.
Myth #5: I should defend myself against getting arrested.
If the police officer finds you to be intoxicated and tries to arrest you, unfortunately the best thing you can do is cooperate. Any signs of being defensive or argumentative can be used as evidence toward proving you’re intoxicated.
If you’re lucky, you’ll never in your life need to deal with getting arrested for a DUI. But, if you do find yourself in that situation, knowing these facts can help your case immensely.