DWI Attorney in Dallas - Fort Worth, TX
What to Do When You Get Pulled Over for DWI
When you are pulled over in the Metroplex on suspicion of drunk driving, it is important to protect yourself by knowing your rights. Dallas - Fort Worth DWI attorney wants you to stay safe on the roads. While our firm urges you to never drive after drinking, if you do, be sure to follow these rules whenever you're operating the Texas roadways:
- Pull over in a safe place. You might want to instinctually pull over as soon as you see the flashing lights, but if you pull over in an unsafe place, the officer will think you have judgment problems. Always make sure the shoulder is wide enough and well lit. Of course, don't act as though you don't see the police lights either.
- Stay quiet. You have the right to remain silent even before an officer reads you your rights. Do not try to make excuses. Do not admit to drinking. Do not say you just came from a party in Arlington. Anything you say will be used in officer testimony against you.
- Be kind. Never be rude to the police officer. She is only doing her job and if you are caught on video acting like a jerk, it will certainly look bad in your trial.
- Do not take a field sobriety test. The officer will likely warn you that if you do not take this test you will be arrested. What she isn't telling you is that you are going to be arrested either way at this point. If you take the test, you will only be giving the officer more information to record in her book and possibly use against you in court.
- Refuse to take a preliminary breath test. If the officer has a portable breathalyzer on her and asks you to breathe into it, refuse. These tests are inaccurate and you will still be required to take a chemical test at the station. Taking a portable breath test will only provide back up evidence for the official chemical test.
- Do take a chemical test. You are required to take a urine, breath or blood test when you are arrested for a DWI. Your results can later be disputed by your Dallas - Fort Worth drunk driving defense attorney, but not taking the tests will be entered in trial as an admission of guilt.
- Ask to speak to an attorney. You will not be permitted to speak to you Dallas - Fort Worth DWI attorney right away, but requesting one will show that you know your rights and that you are sober enough to invoke them.
Consult Our Dallas DWI Lawyer If You Have Been Charged
At your first opportunity after being charged for a DWI, contact the Law Office of A Dallas DWI Attorney and speak with a skilled Dallas - Fort Worth DUI attorney about your case. We offer free initial consultations in our Dallas - Fort Worth office, so call today.