A DWI conviction on your record can seriously upend your life. You need to fight these charges, and a vital component of that involves using your constitutional. Driving while intoxicated is a serious charge, but you can fight it more effectively if you know what to do from the moment the officer arrests you.
Know why the cop pulled you over
Police officers must abide by the 4th Amendment, which states United States citizens have protections against unlawful searches and seizures. This means the police cannot pull you over for any reason. There has to be something tangible that gives the cops reason to believe you consumed alcohol earlier. For many cases, the cops will pull someone over for speeding, failing to stop at a stop sign or failing to stay in a single lane. It does not matter if you are a former University of Texas football player. The cops will arrest you for DWI if they have sufficient cause.
Do not admit to anything
As you speak with the police officer, you should remain polite and agreeable. However, that does not mean you have to answer every single question. You have to tell the officer your name and provide your driver’s license and registration information. However, you do not have to answer if the cop asks you, “What were you up to before driving?” In this instance, you can tell the cop you wish to exercise your right to remain silent.
Remain silent at the station
If the officer has sufficient reasoning to believe your BAC is over the limit, then he or she will take you to the police station. At this point, you want to tell the cops you wish to speak to your lawyer. The cops may ask you questions to get some information out of you without legal counsel. Resist this and repeat your request for legal counsel.