A common question that is asked me is, “what should I do if I get stopped for a DUI?” First things first, the best thing to do is to not get stopped at all. If you have been drinking, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in potential fines and fees by getting a ride as opposed to getting behind the wheel.
However, each week, many people are pulled over because they are suspected of an OUI. If you are pulled over, here are some things to do and not do to put yourself in the best position possible.
- If you see blue lights, pull right over. One of the things that the police are trained to look for is how long you take to pull over.
- Be polite. Even if the police are not being polite to you, how you react to them will be looked at in court.
- Don’t answer questions. You can tell the police your name, but if they ask you about what you did that night, if you had been drinking, or where you were. Instead, politely decline to answer these questions.
- Comply with the police’s request to exit your motor vehicle. You will be asked to exit your motor vehicle, you should comply with this request.
- Refuse to do any field sobriety tests. The police will ask you to do field sobriety tests, you should respectfully decline.
- Don’t get upset that you will be arrested. Understand, that you will be arrested. While this of course will be upsetting, don’t let your emotions show.
- Refuse the breathalyzer. Once at the at the station, you will be offered the breathalyzer test. You should refuse this test as well.
- Remember that you are being recorded. This is particularly important during any phone calls that you make to friends or family.
If you follow these steps, it will be incredibly difficult for the prosecutor to prove their case against you.
If you have been charged with OUI in Massachusetts, call (617) 941-3666 James G. DeGiacomo today for a free case evaluation.