If you are like most people, being pulled over for any traffic stop is annoying, even a bit intimidating. If you are pulled over because the officer suspects you are driving under the influence, or DUI, the stop goes from just a little scary to downright frightening for most motorists, especially if they actually have been drinking. If you find yourself being pulled over for a DUI stop, try to remember the following top 10 things not to do during a Nebraska DUI investigation. Do not:
2. Try to hide the evidence as you are pulling over.
“Furtive” movement inside the vehicle while pulling over makes law enforcement officers very nervous. Whatever is in the vehicle they will find – don’t make the situation worse by trying to hide it.
3. Try and cover the smell of alcohol.
Popping breath mints or mouth wash in your mouth can make the situation worse as many of these things actually have alcohol in them.
4. Be disrespectful.
No matter how irritated you are, do not be disrespectful to the officer as it will only make the entire experience worse. Try to remember that the officer is only doing his/her job.
5. Admit to consuming alcohol.
Don’t lie to the officer; however, don’t admit to drinking alcohol before you got behind the wheel either. When an officer here’s “I had one beer/glass of wine with dinner” the officer usually really hears “I had a six pack/bottle of wine.”
6. Admit to being under the influence of drugs.
Driving under the influence of drugs is also illegal so don’t admit to using any illegal substances either.
7. Agree to the field sobriety tests if you will fail them.
At some point the officer will ask you to exit the vehicle and perform a series of field sobriety tests. These require coordination and memory skills. You are not required to perform these. If you think you will not perform well don’t bother trying as few people actual pass.
8. Argue if the officer places you under arrest.
If the officer begins to place you under arrest his/her mind is already made up – arguing can only make your situation worse. Let your attorney argue for you down the road.
9. Try to fool the breath test machine.
Though breath machines are not infallible, they are not easily fooled either. Trying to fool one will just as likely backfire as work for you.
10. Refuse the chemical test unless you are aware of the consequences of refusing.
You can refuse to take a chemical test; however, doing so will result in the revocation of your driver’s license. Make sure you understand the consequences before deciding to refuse the test.
If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Nebraska contact the Petersen Law Office 24 hours a day at 402-513-2180 to discuss your case with an experienced DUI defense attorney.
- How to Register a Firearm in Nebraska - Monday, March 13, 2023
- Nebraska Trespassing Laws - Sunday, March 12, 2023
- Murder vs. Manslaughter Charges in Nebraska - Thursday, March 9, 2023
