7 Tips for When You’re Pulled Over for a DWI

7 Tips for When You're Pulled Over for a DWILaw enforcement officers throughout the state of New Jersey are constantly on the lookout for drunk drivers. If you are pulled over and an officer suspects that you are under the influence of alcohol, he or she will try and collect evidence supporting that suspicion. It is important to keep in mind that an officer’s suspicion that you are drunk does not mean that you are guilty of DUI.

Here are seven things you can do to ensure that your rights are protected during a traffic stop.

  • Pull over safely and quickly – when you see the lights go on behind you, pull over slowly as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • Make sure that you do not seem like a threat – Once your vehicle is stopped, stay in the vehicle and put your hands on the wheel.
  • Listen to the Officer’s Instructions – You should always obey an officer’s lawful command. If they ask for your driver’s license and insurance card, you should present it.
  • Do Not Volunteer Information – Be polite and answer questions, but do not give a narrative of what you have been doing. Things that you say that are unnecessary are much more likely to hurt you than they are to help you.
  • Do Not Admit to Drinking – If you are asked whether you have had anything to drink, do not say “I had a few with dinner” or “yes, but that was hours ago.” At this point, you may want to ask for an attorney.
  • Consider Your Options – Under New Jersey’s implied consent laws, by having a driver’s license, you have consented to chemical testing if an officer has probable cause to believe you are intoxicated. As a result, there are penalties that can be imposed if you refuse.
  • Contact an Attorney – If your encounter with the police ends in an arrest, it is critical for you to retain an attorney as soon as you can.

Call 732-662-7658 today for a free consultation

A DUI conviction is a serious matter and could have a significant and long-term impact on your life. For this reason, if you have been arrested for drunk driving, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with New Jersey criminal defense attorney Leon Matchin, call our office today at 732-662-7658 or contact us online.