DUI “DOs and DON’Ts”

Hi! This is Ryan Reed of Reed Law Group. What should you do if stopped by law enforcement on suspicion of DUI? Here’s what I think you should do…and what you should not do…if pulled over for D-U-I.

First, as soon as you pull over, do get out your license, registration and proof of insurance out, even before the officer gets to your window. That way, you won’t be fumbling around for them with the officer watching. In fact, if you’ll visit our office, we’ll provide you one of these to hold your registration and proof of insurance – – as well as this card that we recommend you hand to the officer who stopped you, at the same time you hand over your license, registration & proof of insurance.

Second, do tell the officer “I do not consent to any search.” say this politely and plainly, early during your stop, so that there can be no confusion about whether you will voluntarily consent to a search.

Third, do tell the police you want to talk to Reed Law Group at the earliest possible time. The sooner you talk to us, the better for you and your case.

And fourth, do put our phone number in your phone right now. We’ll take your call around the clock, day or night, and with our number already in your phone you can quickly reach Reed Law Group if you’re stopped by police.

Now these are the things you definitely should not do if stopped by the police for D-U-I.

First, do not ever take any field sobriety test or the roadside breath test. These tests are all completely voluntary, and you are not required by law to take them. And no matter what the officer tells you, there’s no penalty if you say no to the field sobriety tests or roadside breath tests. So never, ever take them.

Second, do not try to talk your way out of trouble. It won’t work. In fact, the more you say to the officer, the worse it likely will be. You’re far better off just keeping quiet.

Next, do not answer police questions without a lawyer present. You’ve already identified yourself by handing over your I-D, registration, and so forth. Don’t answer questions about where you’re going, where you’ve been, whether you’ve been drinking. Remain silent or simply reply “lawyer” to every question.

Fourth, if you’re still arrested anyway, do not take the breathalyzer test at the jail or agree to a blood or urine test at the hospital until you’ve first talked to us. You’re allowed ten to fifteen minutes to contact a lawyer before submitting to the test. Use your time wisely, call reed law group.

Finally, if you’ve been charged with D-U-I, call Reed Law Group. We’ll review your case for free and show you how to fight your D-U-I. If you’ve followed this list of dos and don’ts, you’ll already be off to a strong start.