Holiday DUIs: What You Should Do if Pulled Over

While the holidays might make this time of year the merriest, it also can be the deadliest. In December of 2013, 415 individuals died in alcohol-associated deaths.

According to the Department of Transportation, one-third of all traffic-associated fatalities in Florida are caused by intoxicated pedestrians or drunk drivers. In order to address this threat, law enforcement is stepping up their police forces this season.

Why do People Get Pulled Over?

Many officers are going to be on the lookout for drivers who might be driving under the influence. If a police officer witnesses a driver weaving in and out of traffic, changing lanes without signaling, crossing the center line, driving too slowly, or continuously adjusting speed, he or she will become more suspicious and likely pull the driver over.

Preparing an officer for a cordial encounter instead of a rough one is going to assist both of you. In order to ensure this goes as smoothly as possible, follow these tips:

• Have your proof of insurance, registration, and driver’s license ready. If you need to look for it, the police officer might be concerned that you’re looking for a weapon.

• Lower the window on the driver’s side.

• Place both hands on the wheel to prove to the officer you’re willingness to comply.

• Be calm and polite.

As the officer approaches, be certain he or she informs you of the reason for pulling you over. Attempt to remember your speed before talking to the officer. Keeping these tips in mind will assist in keeping the situation as calm and stress-free as possible.

Answering the Officer’s Questions

The police officer might ask you if you have been drinking, if he or she suspects you have. Even though you don’t have to answer those questions, not answering might increase the officer’s suspicion. You might be asked to do a field sobriety test.

Even if you decide not to talk to the officer, you will have to answer some questions. If asked, you have to inform the officer of your age, name, and if you have a valid driver’s license.

Should you take a Breathalyzer Test?

Some may wonder if they have to take a Breathalyzer test. Specific consequences are going to be immediate. For example, anybody refusing a Breathalyzer test will automatically lose their license for one year and will need to pay a fine.

There might be consequences for submitting to the Breathalyzer test. If you take it and your blood alcohol content (BAC) is more than the limit, you might require the services of an experienced Miami drunk driving attorney because the results of the test will offer the prosecution a solid weapon against you.

DUI Offenses

DUI arrests never are good, yet some may be worse than other ones. If your blood alcohol content is over 0.18, you may be charged with an aggravated DUI. This charge is more severe and presents less options and more stringent penalties.

For many, it means that a lawyer won’t be able to negotiate with the prosecution and be forced to accept a plea bargain for a lesser offense of DWAI (driving while ability impaired).

Contact Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Miami

Even in strong DUI cases, it’s important to have an experienced attorney by your side. He or she may be able to negotiate in penalties.

Contact a experienced DUI defense attorney Miami who is well-versed in Florida DUI laws like Paul J. Donnelly, P.A. at 305-964-8597.