Even if you’re sober, a police officer could still have reasonable cause to believe that you’re under the influence of alcohol. For example, if you’re swerving all over the road, it gives them reason to believe that something is wrong.
If you find yourself face to face with an officer during a DUI traffic stop, don’t let them take advantage of your legal rights. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been drinking or not, the officer doesn’t have the right to do whatever they want.
Here are three things you should never say during a DUI traffic stop:
- Admitting that you’ve been drinking: True or not, don’t share this with the officer. If they ask if you’ve recently consumed alcohol, a simple “no” is good enough. You don’t have to go into detail.
- You don’t have the right to do that: Even if you feel that the officer is violating your legal rights, you can cause more harm than good by telling them that. Rather than explain your rights and become confrontational, keep your cool and remain silent.
- I’m sober enough to drive: This is the same as admitting that you’ve been drinking. Even if you feel that this is true, it’s not something you want to share with the officer. It gives them every reason to dig deeper.
Regardless of what you do and don’t say during a DUI traffic stop, you never know how things will end up. Should you find yourself under arrest, remain quiet and take mental notes that can help you protect your rights when your day in court arrives.