What to Do When You Are Pulled Over

When you see flashing red lights in your rearview mirror, you may break out in a sweat or get upset. While it may be difficult to remain calm, there are certain steps you can take when you are pulled over to help your chances in criminal DWI proceedings.

What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for Suspected DWI or DUI

The law office of Stephen H. Miller, in Plano, recommends following these legally sound guidelines if you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving:

1. Be polite and respectful to the officer. Keep your emotions in check even if you think it is an illegal stop without probable cause. Follow basic instructions, such as keeping your hands visible, and cooperate with the officer's reasonable requests.
2. No matter how persistent the officer is, do not perform any test. You should not submit to field sobriety tests, such as walking a straight line or touching your nose. You should also refuse chemical breath tests — such as a breathalyzer — that determine your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level.
3. Assert your right to talk with an attorney. The officer may say that this right is not yet in effect or necessary. You have the right to request counsel when you are being accused of a crime such as DWI.
4. Do not do or say anything without first consulting a lawyer. Do not make any statements regarding your innocence or guilt in the situation. A lawyer can advise you about making statements to officers and what will happen next.

Please note that following these steps will often result in an arrest. However, there will be very little evidence — no sobriety test, no admission of guilt — to prove that you were driving while intoxicated. While you may risk losing your driver's license, your DWI defense case will be stronger than if you did not follow these steps.

Contact Our Plano DWI Defense Attorney, Stephen H. Miller

For more information about a DWI arrest, contact the law office of Stephen H. Miller in Plano. We can be reached twenty-four hours a day by phone at (972) 578-7097 or through the intake form on our Contact Us page.