When you are stopped for DUI/DWI

Law enforcement must have a reason to stop you

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Defects in your car’s safety feature, such as a broken tail light gives a police officer an excuse to stop you for a DUI. You are already suspect, so you want to do your best to dispel that impression. Start by finding a safe place to pull over, on the right side of the road whenever possible. It is important to be prepared, so keep your registration and insurance card in a readily accessible location. It is not a good start when you have to fish through your glove box or cannot find these documents when you need them. If you are stopped at night, turn your dome light on and place both your hands on the steering wheel so the police officer can see them. Hands on the steering wheel does two things. First, it will make the officer more comfortable with regard to his or her safety. Secondly, it conveys a sense of personal control on your part.

You do not have to answer questions that incriminate you

• Be courteous, but not overly talkative. Make no admissions about anything.
• You are under no obligation to provide any information beyond that on your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
• If you make any admission, however inconsequential, it can be used against you.
• Volunteering a statement such as only having one drink provides the officer with cause to investigate the matter further.
• When you offer no admissions, the officer must base his or her decision to pursue a DUI arrest on your driving or mannerisms.
• If the law enforcement officer directly asks if you have been drinking, respond politely with a question such as, “why do you ask?”
• A broken tail light is not an indication that you are impaired, and you are under no obligation to have a discussion about your night’s events.
• The best thing that you can do in this situation is to politely explain that you would like to remain silent.
• Although you have not been arrested, you can still refrain from saying anything that could be self-incriminating.
• Do not be hostile or disrespectful, simply explain that you would like to exercise your rights.

Charlotte’s top Family Law Attorneys

When it comes to family law, the legal process can seem intimidating and overwhelming. The outcome of your case will have a significant effect on the rest of your life. You need a lawyer who takes this seriously, and who will work diligently for favorable results. You need a Charlotte law firm that has the skills, resources, and knowledge to handle complex legal matters; ranging from criminal defense to family law. Charlotte Family Law Attorneys at Plumides, Romano, Johnson & Cacheris, PC, has a history of serving the community for more than 50 years, and has a reputation for hard work and success. They also handle personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Call them today to speak to a lawyer that has decades of experience, and who understands how the DUI/DWI laws apply to your specific situation.