An award winning actress was arrested over the weekend. She is facing charges of Disorderly Conduct (CRS 18-9-106) after her husband was pulled over for driving in the wrong lane and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence or DUI (CRS 42-4-1301). Apparently, the actress antagonized the police officer and refused to follow any instructions she was given. She bragged about her celebrity status and announced to the cops that if they arrested her, they would make national news because of who she was. Obstruction of a Police Officer (CRS 18-8-104) in any Weld County City such as Greeley, Erie, or Miliken may result in a similar charge.
Cops don’t care if you are an A-List movie star or an average person. They may respond to any verbal threat or failure to follow instruction the same way: an arrest. Police officers expect to be respected and do not tolerate disrespectful behavior from people who are defiant of their orders.
If police pull you over on suspicion of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), it is not the time to immediately object. Do not fight or argue with police. You are under no obligation to say anything, and they remind you of this when advising you of your Miranda Rights. Use your right to remain silent. Do not make their job easier by giving them a reason to arrest you or talking about the case. The best retaliation is to seek legal counsel immediately afterwards instead.
This actress faces much more than just a blemish on her record. She will have to work hard to maintain her public image. Thankfully, most of us do not have to worry about a reputation across the country, but our own agendas are just as important. A conviction of Disorderly Conduct obtained with a loss of self-control after one drink too many may follow you the rest of your professional life.
If police pull you over for any suspected criminal offense, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.