It is never easy to see those flashing blue and red lights behind you in your rearview mirror. However, if you suspect that an officer may be pulling you over because of a DWI or a DUI, you need to respond appropriately in order to keep the situation from escalating.
If a police officer has directed you to pull over, it can be a big mistake to try to speed off or pretend you haven’t seen him or her. As soon as you believe it is safe to do so, you should use your turn signal to indicate that you are intending to pullover and then bring your car carefully to a full stop in a safe location beside the road. Make sure you are out of any of the oncoming lanes of traffic as well. Turn off any audio system and your engine, but leave your lights on, if it is dark outside. When the officer comes up to your window, make sure that your hands are visible so as to avoid them thinking that you are reaching for a weapon or something else.
Ask the officer why you were pulled over and if he or she requests that your driver’s license and vehicle registration be presented, you should provide these documents to the officer at that time. The law requires that probable cause exists for the officer to seize your person. Without any probable cause, the officer could be violating your rights against unreasonable seizure and any evidence that is gleaned from that search and seizure could be ruled inadmissible at trial.
Maintain control of your emotions as well as the vehicle. Try to politely oblige the officer’s request without giving any further information unless you must do so. Many people make the mistake of verbally answering and giving the officer more opportunity to get details directly from you. A criminal defense lawyer who is knowledgeable about DUIs and DWIs should be retained as soon as possible after this situation has happened. A DWI charge can lead to penalties on conviction, so take it seriously.
