Common Mistakes People Make After Being Pulled Over for Drunk Driving
We understand the panic you feel when you are suddenly asked to pull your vehicle over by the cops. On top of that, if that’s because of a suspected DUI, you indeed have every reason to panic!
However, what you don’t realize is that the moments that immediately follow the stop are crucial. People often make huge, preventable errors at this point that fatally harm their case before it even reaches a courtroom! That’s exactly why you need to understand your rights. That’s the first line of defense you can have for yourself. Also, if you find yourself facing DUI charges, the immediate call should be to an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer and not anyone else!
That being said, let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes that people make while they have been ordered to pull over for drunk driving.
7 Mistakes People Make After Being Pulled Over for Drunk Driving
Talking to the cops too much
Many people, out of a natural reaction, feel compelled to explain their side of the story. Some even take it a step further and start to apologize for their actions! But remember, anything you say, like admitting to ‘just two beers,’ or ‘one drink,’ is an incriminating statement. And prosecutors WILL use this as evidence against you. Instead, just politely state that you invoke your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and call up a Pittsburgh DUI attorney immediately.
Failing to decline to Field Sobriety Tests
Did you know that you are not legally obligated to perform Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) in Pennsylvania?! These tests are subjective. They are designed to make you fail, and the results that they highlight provide the officer with probable cause for an arrest. Therefore, don’t get worked up, and politely refuse to participate in the Field Sobriety Tests(FSTs).
Agreeing with the cops for a vehicle search
The residing officers may ask for consent to search your vehicle. Now, you may allow that out of courtesy. However, what you do not realize is, permitting them immediately waives your Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure. So, never ever give consent to a search. Tell the officer that you do not permit them to search you or your vehicle. If you do this, your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can later challenge any evidence found.
Arguing with the officer
The cops carefully observe your demeanor and document it. If you show any kind of hostility, no matter how subtle it is, or refusal to cooperate with lawful requests, it can be interpreted as evidence of impairment. Not just that, but these actions can lead to additional charges, like resisting arrest. So, always stay calm and cooperate only with basic identifying requests.
Posting and discussing the incident on social media
Remember, this is a serious case where cops are involved. Therefore, the events of your night are not for public consumption. So, if you thought that posting details, apologizing, or sharing photos on social media would provide the prosecution with digital evidence, you are very wrong! Prosecutors regularly monitor social media for admissions against interest. Hence, never post about your case. Instead, call a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
Refusing the chemical test (Post-Arrest)
Pennsylvania has an implied consent law. You can very well refuse a roadside PBT. But, if you refuse the official blood or breath test after a formal arrest, it can trigger an automatic 12-month license suspension! Apart from that, it also elevates your criminal charge to the highest DUI tier, even if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was low!
Waiting to hire a defense attorney
DUI cases move quickly, and critical evidence, like surveillance footage or witness contacts, can disappear rapidly! On top of that, if you delay hiring a legal counsel, it means you are literally forfeiting the chance to challenge the traffic stop’s legality. So, don’t wait and consult a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer right away to protect your rights effectively.
So, want to seek help from our expert legal professionals? Call us at 844.PITT.DUI and schedule a free consultation today!