Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous as the buzz impairs your judgment and you pose a danger to yourself an people on the road. DUI is a serious offense and if a cop car sires and indicates that you pull over to the side, below is a guide on what you are supposed to do.
Pulling over to the side of the road on a calm and safe manner is the first thing you ought to do when a police officer signals you to do so. Once the car comes to a complete halt, switch off the engine and keep both hands on the wheel. Keep in mind that the officer has been keeping an eye on you and every move you make goes into his report if he or she will have to book you. Avoid making sudden moves in once you stop or show any sign of frustration as this would make the officer nervous. The cop should be the one to approach you and for this reason, stay in your car and simply lower your window.
Remaining polite and respectful to the police officer is the second thing you ought to do. Filing to cooperate with the cop, being rude to them by using harsh language and showing anger will only get you out of the hot pan into the fire and immediately get you arrested. Speaking too much may lead to the cop being suspicious of the state of judgement and to avoid this speak when you are spoken to. Don’t try to act out or being too friendly to the cop as this only justifies you not being in the right state of mind.
The third thing you ought to do is avoid incriminating yourself. Cops are smart and they will try making you incriminate yourself from the fact that you are nervous. You are only required to give the cop your name, your license and registration. It is within your rights that you respectfully decline to answer any questions from the officer. Cops will try to make you incriminate yourself by making you state the number of drinks you have had but keep in mind that you have the right to remain silent.
Complying with any field sobriety test the police officer takes you though is a form of incrimination as it gives the cop proof that you are DUI. Declining to perform the test prompts an arrest and you are taken to the police station. Do not resist arrest as you may be charged for it as an extra offense.
After arriving at the station, request to speak to your lawyer after being booked. DUI is not a criminal offense but you can only be charged in court. It is, however, recommended that you avoid DUI to so as to stay away from hefty fines, community service or some time behind bars.