When Is It Time to Contact a DUI Lawyer?
The best time to contact a DUI lawyer is when you are stopped by an arresting officer and asked to undergo the standard DUI tests such as the Breathalyzer tests or the Field Sobriety Tests.
Typically, if you show erratic driving behavior – for instance, you are swerving all over the place or are hugging the center line – you may be stopped by a police officer and be requested to undergo the standard DUI tests. You may also be asked to undergo such tests if you stop and start by turns, drive your car off the road, hit a tree or a roadside sign, tail another car too closely, or break basic traffic laws.
After the arresting officer has signaled you to stop, do pull over (if you’re not stopped already) and wait for the officer to reach you. If the police officer asks you to step outside your vehicle, do so promptly.
Typically, arresting officers will begin by asking relevant questions – whether you have been drinking or not, where you have been, if you have problems, etc. It is also standard procedure for the police to ask you to undergo their portable breath analyzer exam, their pen-to-eye test and their range of field sobriety tests.
Call a DUI Lawyer
It is advised that you do not submit yourself to any of the tests that the police will give you on site. You are also advised not to answer the questions that the police officer asks. Immediately after you step out of your vehicle and the police officer starts asking you probing questions – you should answer in a firm yet polite voice that you would like to have your attorney present during questioning and that you refuse to answer any questions and undergo tests without first consulting your attorney.
After that, request for permission to call your DUI attorney. In this instance, you may call your usual attorney for advice. He or she can contact a DUI lawyer on your behalf. The important thing is to have legal counsel at this point. Then once you are talking with a DUI lawyer, you will be able to ascertain whether or not you should submit to chemical tests and decide on other follow-up moves.
