Many people think they can safely drive home after they’ve had a drink or two. While it might be true that you don’t meet the blood alcohol concentration limit yet to be classified as an impaired driver, your trip home could be filled with stress if you see the flashing lights of a police vehicle behind you.
There are a few things you should know about drunk driving stops. These may help you to make decisions if you’re stopped for the suspicion of drunk driving.
What makes officers think a driver is impaired?
Officers are trained to look for signs of drunk driving. This includes things like erratic driving or swerving between lanes. Once the officer stops a vehicle, they’ll try to determine what’s going on with the driver. They may perform a field sobriety test or have the driver take a chemical test to determine the person’s impairment level.
What should you do if you’re stopped?
Remember that you still have rights. One of these is the right to remain silent. You don’t have to be read your Miranda rights to invoke your right against self-incrimination, and you shouldn’t. Don’t try to talk your way out of the situation, since that can actually lead to incriminating statements that could be used against you later in court. It’s better to stay silent and fight back in court.
Facing a drunk driving charge is serious. It’s imperative that you take the time to explore your defense strategies so you can determine which is the best option for your needs. Some of these are time-sensitive, so be sure you find out what choices you have as early as possible.
