You’re on your way home from a party. You’re restless, it’s late, and you’ve had a few drinks. And guess what? You’re pulled over… The officer asks for you to get out of the car. You’re terrified because you think you’re going to be arrested for DUI.
But how can you prove sobriety? We’ll go through various techniques employed to demonstrate to the police that you’re not intoxicated and should not be detained. Remember to be calm and courteous; whatever you say or do might be used against you in court.
Just an FYI, if you’ve been charged with a DUI in Greenville, you should speak with a DUI defense lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina immediately. A DUI defense attorney from the Bateman Law Firm can help ensure that your rights are preserved during the process.
When contesting a drunk driving charge, having skilled legal representation on your side may make all the difference.
Let’s discover what your options are if you are stopped by a police officer.
What If A Police Officer Orders You To Stop In Greenville, South Carolina?
If you are unsure how to respond to any of the officer’s questions or do not understand the testing, demand a lawyer. Remember to remain cool and not panic. There is no reason to be concerned if you get pulled over for a DUI. A skilled DUI defense attorney can help you to prove sobriety and have your charges reduced or altogether.
If a police officer orders you to pull over for a DUI investigation, you should:
- Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Switch off your car.
- Put your hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see them.
- Do not get out of your car unless instructed to do so by the police.
- Be courteous and respectful to the officer, and follow their instructions.
- If you are asked to exit the vehicle, do so slowly and carefully.
- Avoid making any sudden movements that could be misconstrued as threatening.
Also, note that you have the right to refuse a field sobriety test if you are asked to do so. If you refuse, however, the officer may arrest you on suspicion of DUI. Refusing a sobriety test can also result in automatic license suspension in some states.
If you decide to prove sobriety, make sure to carefully follow the instructions and avoid doing anything that could make you appear intoxicated. If the officer suspects you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will most likely be arrested and taken to the station for a breathalyzer or blood test.
It is best to consult with a criminal defense lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina at this point to assess your options and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process.
You will make the DUI investigation process easier for both you and the police if you follow these suggestions. Keep in mind that it is critical to remain calm and cooperative. There’s no need to be upset or defensive since the officer is only performing their job.
How To Prove Sobriety?
If you are stopped by the police in Greenville, South Carolina while driving and they suspect you of DUI, they will likely ask you to take a field sobriety test. This is a simple test that can be used to determine if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
There are three main types of field sobriety tests:
- The horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test
- The walk-and-turn test
- The one-leg stand test
The HGN test is performed by having the suspect follow a small object with their eyes. The officer will look for three clues that indicate intoxication: lack of smooth pursuit, distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus before 45 degrees.
The walk-and-turn test is exactly what it sounds like – the officer will ask the suspect to walk in a straight line heel-to-toe for nine steps, turn around, and walk back. The officer will look for four clues of intoxication: inability to balance during instructions, starting too soon, stopping while walking, and improper turning.
The one-leg stand test involves you standing on one leg with your arms at the sides and counting out loud until told to stop. The officer will look for four clues of intoxication: swaying while balancing, using arms to balance, hopping to maintain balance, and putting your foot down.
Potential Legal Consequences Of Refusing A Breathalyzer Test
If you are pulled over by the police and asked to take a breathalyzer test, you may be tempted to refuse. After all, if you are not intoxicated, why should you have to prove it? Unfortunately, several potential legal consequences can result from refusing a breathalyzer test, even if you are not intoxicated.
In many states, simply refusing to take a breathalyzer test can result in an automatic driver’s license suspension. In some cases, this suspension can be for up to one year. Additionally, you may be fined or even jailed for refusing to take a breathalyzer test.
Of course, if you do take the breathalyzer test and fail, you will also face legal consequences. These can include a driver’s license suspension, fines, and even jail time. However, it is important to note that refusing a breathalyzer test will often result in more severe penalties than failing the test itself.
Therefore, if you are pulled over by the police and asked to take a breathalyzer test, it is important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision. If you do decide to refuse the test, be prepared to face the potential legal consequences.
What To Do If You Fail a Breathalyzer Test
Mouthwash and certain medical conditions can cause a false positive on a breathalyzer test. If you believe you received a false positive, you can request a retest using a different type of breathalyzer. You should also be aware that while you have the right to refuse the breathalyzer test, doing so will almost certainly result in your arrest.
If you are arrested for DUI, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of prevailing in court. First, consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina to challenge the evidence against you.
Second, make sure you understand the charges against you and the defense options available to you. Third, remain calm and cooperative with authorities throughout your arrest and case.
Consult a Capable Criminal Defense Lawyer In Greenville, South Carolina
If you fail to prove sobriety to an officer, it’s not the end of the world – and it doesn’t mean that you’ll be convicted of DUI. A capable DUI defense lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina can help you through the mess that follows, so be sure to reach out to the Bateman Law Firm without delay.
A DUI conviction is a serious matter, you must get a qualified DUI defense lawyer on your side to build a solid defense against the charges.
Reach out to us now for consultation and more!