Last night was Saint Patrick’s Day, which means drinking in Irish pubs and hanging out with friends wearing green. We hope you had a good time yesterday, but we also hope you were safe and didn’t drink and drive. The Greeley, Evans, and Erie police were out in force last night, looking for drunk drivers. If you were pulled over and charged with a DUI or DWAI, here are a few tips for planning your defense.
1. The Roadside Tests are Voluntary
The roadside tests and maneuvers a police officer asks you to complete are voluntary. These include saying the alphabet backwards, one leg stand, walking a line, etc. When an officer pulls you over, he may ask ifyou have been drinking, and then ask you to participate in these tests. It is never in your best interest to do these tests (not even completely sober people can successfully complete them) or answer his questions. While the officer is talking with you, he / she will be looking for proof of your intoxication. These are:
- Slurred speech
- Red or watery eyes
- Smell of alcohol on your breath
- Swerving or erratic driving
The police officer will be watching you closely and will record all evidence to use against you in court.
2. After Your Arrest: Express Consent Blood or Breath Test
If a police officer has probable cause (enough evidence of your intoxication), she will arrest you for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI). After your arrest, you will be asked if you wish to take a blood or breath test in order to test your blood alcohol content level (BAC) to see if you are over the legal limit. This test is mandatory. When you got your driver’s license in Weld, Morgan or Logan County, you gave consent to submit to a blood or alcohol test if the police had probable cause.
Contact Us If You Have Been Charged with a DUI or DWAI
If you have been accused of a DUI or DWAI, contact one of our experienced DUI defense attorneys. We have worked with hundreds of people who have been charged. A DUI is not sealable, so your future is at stake. The most important step to take if you have been charged is to not talk with the police, and contact a skilled criminal lawyer to begin working on your defense. If the arresting officer did not have probable cause to arrest you, we may be able to supress the results of the blood or breath test from the courtroom. Don’t stand alone in front of a judge or jury – work with a DUI lawyer who can fight for your future.
If you or a loved one is facing charges of DUI or DWAI after the Saint Patrick’s Day revelry in Weld, Philips, or Sedgwick County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced DUI / DWAI defense attorney for a free consultation at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – StillWorksImagery