Often, we help clients who made blunders when the cops pulled them over for driving under the influence. As a DUI lawyer, we would like to share with you the four things drivers pulled over for a DUI make the mistake of doing, which tend to hurt their DUI case. In the event the cops pull you over for a DWI, here is what you should not do:
1.Do Not Consent to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) Prior to Your Arrest
By consenting to a PBT before your arrest, it increases your chances of the judge handing down a guilty verdict. It will make it difficult for the DWI attorney to move forward with a motion to suppress the arrest in court for lack of a probable cause.
This issue stems from the lack of knowledge people have about their rights related to PBT. If the cops have arrested you, you cannot refuse to give a PBT. If they have not arrested you, you can refuse to give a PBT.
2.Do Not Forget to Tell the Cop about Your Medical Conditions Prior to Field Sobriety Tests
If you have a medical condition, tell it to the cop who has pulled you over for driving while intoxicated before any field sobriety test. Some medical conditions can affect the results of the field sobriety tests, which is why it is essential that you let the cop know before, so it will be in his record. Usually, the cop should ask you if you have any medical condition, but if he does not, inform your DUI lawyer.
3.Do Not Apply the Brakes Immediately as You Pass by a Cop or an Unmarked Vehicle
Most people make the mistake of applying the brakes immediately as they pass by a cop or an unmarked vehicle. In doing so, it alerts the cops of suspicious activity. If you have been drinking and you press the brakes, the cops may pull you over and arrest you.
4.Do Not Hire a DUI Lawyer Too Late
You need to hire an attorney to represent you as soon as the cops arrest you from drunk driving. Most people contact a lawyer after the video of the pullover and their field sobriety test has been deleted. Your lawyer will ask the appropriate department to handover a copy of the video and test.
There are policies in place to delete the video and test after a certain duration, which is why waiting too long to hire a lawyer can jeopardize your case. Even though these points are not comprehensive, we have seen this happen several times, thus pointing them out was necessary, so others will not make the same mistake.
If you the cops have arrested you for a DUI and you need an assistance of an experienced and qualified DUI lawyer, please get in touch with us to schedule a consultation.