What Not to Do When Pulled Over for a Mesa DUI

As the summer heats up in Mesa Arizona, you may want to cool down with an ice-cold beer or a fruity cocktail. You might decide to enjoy a few while you’re sitting poolside with friends, or you might have a few drinks while you’re at a summer concert or other event. You may feel fine when you get behind the wheel of your car to drive home, but you may have had more than you are legally allowed to for driving.

If you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, everything you say or do can influence whether or not you are convicted. It is important to understand your rights if you are in such a situation. Here are a few things that you should NOT do if you are ever pulled over on suspicion of DUI:

Provide Information

When the officer asks you questions, any information you provide can be used against you if you are arrested. Even simple questions like, “Where are you coming from?” can lead to other questions about whether or not you’ve been drinking and how much. The answers you give can be used against you in court. Remain calm and answer the officer with statements like, “I have nothing to say” or “I have no comment.” Try not to become defensive or angry if the officer becomes demanding or threatens you with legal action. You have the right to refuse comment.

Perform Field Sobriety Tests

Despite what many people believe, you are not required to perform field sobriety tests if you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI. An officer can arrest you without performing these tests. Agreeing to perform them can only provide evidence that can be used against you in court. What’s worse: There are no objective rules for what is considered “failing,” so the test is not even reliable.

Perform a Breathalyzer

Just like you don’t have to perform field sobriety tests, you also don’t have to perform a breathalyzer. If you are actually arrested, you will have to perform a breathalyzer at the police station. However, you do not have to perform this test at the roadside. Just like with the field sobriety tests, taking this test will only provide evidence that can be used against you in court later.

You may feel afraid and intimidated if you are pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. However, you have legal rights, and understanding what not to do during a DUI stop can help you protect those rights. Contacting a Mesa DUI lawyer as soon as possible can further help you protect your rights and guide you through the case. My AZ Lawyers serves clients in Mesa Arizona and the surrounding area. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, call us today to find out how a Mesa AZ criminal defense attorney from our team may be able to help you fight the charges and protect your legal rights.

* This blog is written by a third party and nothing in this blog should be taken to constitute professional advice or a formal recommendation and we exclude all representations, warranties, legal liability or responsibility relating to its content. The information in this blog is for general information purposes only.

Published By:
My AZ Lawyers – Candace Kallen

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