North Shore DUI Defense Attorney
What to do first in a DUI arrest?
When you are pulled over by law enforcement under suspicion of a DUI, there are several important rules to follow. This advice will help you in the future when you hope to defend your case with the assistance of a North Shore DUI Defense Attorney. The laws are extremely strict in Massachusetts and your actions during the arrest are important if you hope to defend yourself in court.
OUI Defense Lawyer on the North Shore
If you are asked to "pull over" by police, do it safely and quickly. Do not get out of your car, as this is not appreciated by law enforcement. Sit calmly in your car and put your hands on the steering wheel of your car so that they are easily seen. Don't make any quick random movements, as law enforcement actually is not certain that you do not have a weapon, and such movements (such as reaching for the glove compartment) can create a situation you don't want to face. If your registration is in the glove compartment, tell the officer that you need to get it out and where it is, so that he/she is well informed of why you are moving in that direction.
If you are asked if you have been drinking, that means that they suspect you of driving under the influence of alcohol. If you have not been drinking, you have nothing to worry about. If you have had one beer, you probably are not going to be in trouble. If you are actually unsure if you are over the limit of .08% you can tell the officer that you don't wish to say how much you have been drinking as you have a 5th amendment right to not say anything that could incriminate you. This can be more successful in a later defense even if you register above .08% on the breathalyzer test. It is not illegal to drive after drinking - it is illegal to drive intoxicated!
Always speak respectfully to law enforcement personnel and never be rude, argumentative or angry with them, no matter what happens. Resisting arrest is an additional charge you could have if you become difficult with law enforcement in a DUI charge. Do not refuse to take the breathalyzer test as this will result in a conviction as if you were DUI. It can be easier to challenge the breathalyzer results than to fight a breathalyzer refusal case. If you are asked to perform Field Sobriety Tests, you are not required to do so by law. You can politely refuse to take these tests.
If you register at .08% or higher, you will be arrested and charged with DUI. Remain calm and do not speak with law enforcement or chat about your situation. Everything you say really WILL be used against you in court. Wait until your first opportunity (usually after you are officially booked for the charge) and call a North Shore DUI Defense Attorney to assist you with your case. When the defense attorney begins their work immediately after the arrest, it can increase the possibility of "case dismissed".
Our North Shore, Massachusetts DUI Defense Attorneys understand that people get arrested for drunk driving in Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Salem, Lynn, and Peabody at all hours and need solid legal advice right away. When you need effective, strategic defense, contact us 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at (800) 823-3336. We answer our phones at night and on the weekend - we even meet clients at our Woburn, Norwood, or Worcester offices on Sundays!