Going Out Drinking? How To Avoid Problems If You're Detained For A DUI

If you like to go out with your friends on the weekends, you need to plan for a possible DUI. This is especially true with the current health crisis. Most bars and clubs have been closed, which means you might not have been going out as much as you used to. That means you might want to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, that could increase your risk for a DUI arrest. If you do get pulled over, you want to avoid making any mistakes. Those mistakes could land you in even bigger trouble. Before you're faced with that problem, here are three things you shouldn't do when you're pulled over for a DUI. 

Don't Waive Your Right to an Attorney

If your evening out on the town ends in a DUI stop, don't waive your right to speak to an attorney. During the stop, the investigating officer may try to convince you that there's no reason for an attorney. If this is your first DUI arrest, you may believe this. Unfortunately, when you waive your right to an attorney, you put yourself in a risky situation. That's because you end up answering questions that might increase your risk of incarceration. You can speak to an attorney later, but by then, the damage might have already been done. The best thing you can do is ask for an attorney as soon as it looks like you'll be taken into custody. 

Don't Engage in Conversation

If you get stopped for a DUI, use this time to limit your conversation. The investigating officer may try to engage you in conversation. They're not trying to be friendly. They're actually trying to get you to say something that could be used against you. Instead, answer only the questions you need to answer and keep the information brief. It's also important that you keep your answers as respectful as possible. You don't want to become belligerent while you're talking to the officers. 

Don't Share Key Details

If you've been arrested for a DUI, don't offer any more information than you need to. This is especially important where key details are concerned. For instance, don't tell the investigating officers how much you've had to drink. This is especially important where your blood alcohol tests are concerned. Your blood alcohol test may come back with a lower limit than you expected. If you told officers how much you had to drink, they can use that information against you; even if your blood alcohol test limits are low. Contact a DUI attorney for more.