How to Proceed Once Stopped for a DUI
If you are pulled over in California and you have been drinking, it is important to know how to proceed once stopped for DUI. First of all, pull over safely to the side of the road. Be polite to the police officer. If the police officer asks you questions, it’s fine to say that you would like to speak with an attorney. You may also wish to explain that you had one or two drinks, which would not typically cause intoxication, in order to explain a beer or alcohol smell; however, this is not completely necessary.
The police officer may wish to administer field sobriety tests. These include standing on one leg, walking heel to toe, stating the alphabet, and following a penlight with your eyes, among others. You are not legally required to submit to field sobriety tests. Doing so could result in the police officer obtaining additional evidence that could be used against you.
The police may also choose to ask you to take a chemical test. Under California law, a person who is operating a motor vehicle within the state gives consent to a chemical or breath test to determine blood alcohol content. If you refuse to submit to the chemical test, your license will be revoked for one year, even if you are found not guilty of the California DUI charge. You do not have the right to consult with an attorney before being arrested.
If you are arrested or taken into custody on the suspicion of a DUI, contact an experiencedLA DUI attorney immediately. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have widespread experience in the area of California DUIs. Contact us today at (310) 277-1707 for a free consultation. We can help you explore your rights in defending yourself against a DUI charge.
