Share:

Getting pulled over by the police for driving under the influence is stressful. It’s common for panic to immediately set in, making it difficult to know what to do in the moment. According to Ronald D. Zipp, Attorney at Law, it’s crucial that you conduct yourself properly during a DWI stop, as many people in this situation make the mistake of incriminating themselves. Below, he shares a few do’s and don’ts to remember when facing an arrest.

Do:  

Be polite and cooperative. 

Being rude to an officer or misbehaving in any way can make the situation much worse and result in a compromising police report that hurts your case. Conversely, if you are polite and cooperative, there is still a chance you can avoid an arrest. It’s also essential to comply with any requests to step out of your vehicle. 

Ask to speak with an attorney. 

DWIProtect your rights and best interests by speaking with an experienced attorney who is familiar with DWI law. As soon as you are given the opportunity, inform the police that you would like to invoke your right to legal counsel. They will advise you on the appropriate steps to take next. 

Don’t: 

Provide the police with extra information. 

It’s human nature for people to try and defend themselves when being accused of wrongdoing; but, when you’re in this position, it’s best to remain silent. Refrain from answering questions that could incriminate you or providing the officer with any information other than your name and address.

Agree to any roadside sobriety tests. 

You do not have a legal obligation to perform roadside sobriety tests and should refuse if asked to do so. The results will only be used as collective evidence against you despite being an unreliable indicator of intoxication. Unfortunately, they are largely subjective to interpretation, so it’s not likely they will benefit you, even if you’re confident you’ll pass. 

What you do and say after being pulled over for a DWI can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Don’t wait to consult with Ronald D. Zipp, Attorney at Law, if you’ve been charged with driving while intoxicated. Having served the residents of New Braunfels, TX, for more than 40 years, he has provided effective legal representation in many DWI cases. Contact him at (830) 629-5600 to schedule a consultation, or visit his website to learn more about the legal services he offers. 

tracking