What Should You Do if You Get Stopped for a DUI?

It’s frightening to have the police pull you over on suspicion of drunk driving. Yet, there are things you can do to help your situation. The first thing you should do is call our DUI attorney in Grand Rapids. Attorney Jerry Lykins has more than 20 years of experience and has handled over 1,500 DUI cases. It also helps to be polite, yet firm, about protecting your legal rights.

Continue reading to learn what you should do if you get stopped for a DUI. Our drunk driving lawyer is ready to help!

Getting Pulled Over for a DUI

Stay Calm

No one wants to see flashing police lights in their rearview mirror. Yet, it’s important that you stay calm. Signal and pull over to the shoulder so the officer knows you saw them. Next, you’ll want to put your car in park, turn off the engine, and roll down the driver and passenger-side windows. That way, the police officer will be able to approach your vehicle from either side.

Traffic stops are dangerous for police officers. Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they’re visible to the officer. That will put them at ease and help you make a good first impression. It also helps to address the police officer as Sir or Ma’am so you come off as respectful and polite. The officer will ask for your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration.

Keep Your Guard Up

A police officer may try to act like your friend, asking casual questions to see if you’ll slip up. By law, you only have to provide the police officer with your name if they ask. Any other questions you can refuse to answer. For example, the police officer may ask if you’ve been drinking or how much you’ve had to drink.

It’s not in your best interest to answer questions. The more you talk, the more the police officer can document alcohol on your breath or slurred speech. The police are also able to use anything you say against you in a court of law. Instead, politely say that you don’t wish to answer any questions. Do not raise your voice or lie to the police officer. This will not work in your favor.

Refuse Field Sobriety Tests

You have the right to refuse a field sobriety test. While it may feel like you’re making a mistake, refusing to take a field sobriety test may be the best thing for you to do.

It’s not uncommon for police officers to administer non-standardized tests. For example, a police officer may ask you to recite the alphabet backwards. The problem with non-standardized tests is that they aren’t reliable. (How many of the people you know can recite the alphabet backwards past “Q”?) Despite this, police will still enter field sobriety tests as evidence against you.

Our drunk driving attorney does everything in his power to protect your rights. This may mean trying to get the tests thrown out as evidence. Our DUI attorney will check if the police officer had the correct training to conduct the test. He’ll also question the integrity of non-standardized field sobriety tests. Our drunk driving lawyer looks out for you by fighting for the best outcome.

Take the Breathalyzer Test

Michigan has the “Implied Consent Law.” This means Michigan drivers must take a chemical test if arrested for drunk driving. Police officers often use the breathalyzer test to determine blood alcohol content (BAC). Yet, they may ask for a urine test in some circumstances. If you don’t comply, the court will suspend your driver’s license for one year. You’ll also receive 6 points to your driver record.

Our DUI attorney recommends you take the chemical test. That way, you won’t have to fight to get your driver’s license reinstated. We understand that you depend on your driver’s license to drive to work, pick the kids up from daycare, and more. For this reason, our drunk driving attorney can help you every step of the way so you don’t make a costly mistake. Call our DUI lawyer in Grand Rapids today to request a consultation.

Call Our DUI Attorney

If arrested, you have the right to a phone call and legal representation. Use your phone call to hire Jerry Lykins. Our DUI attorney is available 24/7 through call and text. This means you’ll have access to fast legal help when you need it most.

Jerry Lykins is a drunk driving attorney in Grand Rapids, MI who has handled over 1,500 DUI cases. To request a legal consultation, call or text Lykins Law 24/7 at (616) 540-0443.

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