Getting pulled over and accused of a DUI is a stressful experience—a fact police and prosecutors will use to their advantage. Even if you’ve been unfairly charged, the police officer may use your confusion and anxiety against you and try to convince you to cooperate without speaking with a DUI attorney. Knowing what to do in this situation can help you protect your rights and avoid an unfair arrest.

What to Do if You’re Pulled Over for a DUI

Don’t Engage in Conversation

After pulling you over, the officer will likely seem friendly and may try to engage you in conversation. However, bear in mind that the officer’s only objective is to find probable cause for a search, and any questions they ask will be designed with that goal in mind. The safest thing to do when pulled over for a DUI is to provide your driver’s license and insurance information, without answering any other questions.

Refuse a Field Sobriety Test

The field sobriety tests are entirely subjective, and some medical conditions make them impossible, even for people who aren’t impaired. If the officer asks you to perform a field sobriety test, they’ve probably already decided to arrest you, so there’s no upside to complying. In Montana, your refusal to submit to a field sobriety test might be used against you in court, but DUI attorneys generally agree that it’s better than supplying the state with more affirmative evidence.

Speak to a DUI Attorney

Police and prosecutors will likely make it seem as though the case against you is airtight, and accepting a guilty plea is your only option. However, this is usually not the case, and the law makes several defense strategies available to defendants. A skilled DUI attorney will review the circumstances of your case, ensure the police followed all relevant procedures, and fight to protect your rights through every step of the process.

With over 35 years of experience and a reputation for providing aggressive representation to defendants throughout the Flathead Valley, MT, Lane K. Bennett, Attorney at Law, can help in these difficult situations. Their DUI attorneys have the expertise to zealously defend your rights and achieve the best possible resolution. Visit their website for an overview of their legal services, or call (406) 752-7300 to schedule a consultation.