Seattle Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer
How To Deal With A Police DUI Stop
In Washington State, it is a criminal offense to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 % or more. If a police officer suspects you have been drinking and driving in Seattle, then there is a very good chance that the officer will stop you, whether you are actually intoxicated or not.
- Remain calm The first and most important step you take when you are stopped by a DUI officer is to remain very calm and maintain your presence of mind. First of all, you don't even know why the driver stopped you and even if you've had a drink or two, you don't know what the officer stopped you for until he or she tells you. The last thing you want to do here is to flee.
- Keep your information ready You should know that when an officer stops you they are going to ask you for your documentation such as driver's license, registration and insurance. So it is always wise to keep these in a place where you remember and where you can easily access them. If you fumble for papers or seem confused, you can be sure that it will go on the officer's incident or arrest report. The last thing you want to do in such a situation is to give a false name or identification, which are crimes in themselves.
- The way you talk Police officers who stop you on suspicion of a DUI in Washington are looking for ways to determine whether you are intoxicated or impaired. So don't talk or divulge information unnecessarily such as you just had two glasses of wine or are just driving out of a party. It might seem harmless at a time, but if your case goes to trial, these small details may become important. Keep your answers simple and straight. If you don't feel comfortable answering some questions, just answer "I'd rather not say" instead of seeming confused or forgetful.
- Field sobriety tests Here's the truth about field sobriety tests. You are not required by law to take them. In fact, as Snohomish County DUI defense attorneys, we would advise drivers not to take them because they are not only an ineffective means of gauging a person's level of intoxication or impairment, but are designed to set you up for failure. Don't let the officer intimidate you. Just tell the officer you don't want to take these field tests.
- Breath test Refuse if the officer asks you to blow into a portable Breathalyzer. These often produce incorrect readings as well. The best course is to submit to a blood test at a hospital. You should also request a second blood sample so that you can have it tested independently as well.
Acting in such a manner may not make your arresting officer happy. But it will give you all the tools to help you build a successful defense at a later date if it becomes necessary. If you or someone you know has been arrested on suspicion of DUI, please call an experienced and knowledgeable Washington DUI defense attorney at McNeese & Trotsky PLLC. to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Free consultations ● Our office is located in the heart of downtown Seattle, just a few blocks from the King County courthouse