What To Do If You Get Pulled Over After Drinking

Posted on | Wednesday, November 10, 2010 | No Comments

When you get pulled over, even if you know you weren’t doing anything more than going a little bit over the speed limit, it can still be a frightening experience. But if you are prepared for such an event and know how to handle it, while the fear might still be present, you may be ready to pro-act to the situation rather than react to it. Here are a few tips on how to more calmly and coolly handle getting pulled over after drinking.

Don’t Overreact or Panic

One of the main things to bear in mind when you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror or hear sirens behind you is not to overreact or panic. While the police behind you might give you are start, stomping the gas or weaving wildly can be the wrong thing to do, and it give the police the impression that you’ve been drinking. Keep your wits about you, and try not to give the police any reason to doubt your sincerity about pulling over -- and definitely don’t make them chase you!

Be Prepared

Being unprepared with the officer steps up to your car may only act to further inflame the situation. You’ll likely be asked for your driver’s license, car registration, and proof of insurance, so be ready to facilitate the officers request. Doing so in a timely and efficient manner may help to make you appear a more law abiding and responsible citizen ready to do what is needed to comply with the authorities and keep them from detaining your longer.

Take Notice

It’s important, even though your mind might be spinning, to be aware of what is taking place when you are pulled over. Listen to what the officer is telling you or asking you, what instructions he may be giving you, as well as other requests or pertinent information being conveyed that may be important to what you need to do to rectify the situation. The officer may be gauging your responses, and paying attention and answering clearly and concisely may get you on your way again as opposed to being detained further or arrested. Also, noting things like the officer’s name, badge number, and other pertinent information may be critical, especially if you are planning to dispute any charges or tickets you may be getting.

Conclusion

One of the most important things to remember when you’re being pulled over after drinking is to remain calm. Trying to listen closely, speak clearly and distinctly, follow instructions closely, and being respectful and polite to the officer may help you out of trouble, or if nothing else, hopefully avoid agitating the officer and making the situation worse.

Greg Tsioros is a defense attorney in Houston that represents clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses. To visit his website and learn more about his areas of practice, go to http://www.txcrimdefense.com.

Category:

What To Do If You're Arrested

No Comments

It could be one of your worst fears realized -- you’re being arrested -- and worse yet, you’re not sure exactly what to do. It can be traumatic enough just being arrested, but not knowing how to act or what to do to make an already bad situation a little less difficult to endure, can make it even worse. Here are a few guidelines that might help you to be better prepared if you ever face arrest.


Don’t Panic

Letting panic take over when you’re being arrested can lead to erratic or strange behavior that can raise suspicions or worse yet, cause you to argue or fight with arresting officers, resulting in further problems or more charges. And panic leading you to resist arrest could make your situation even more disastrous, as you could face additional charges and may be injured in the process.

Not Volunteering Information

If you’ve been arrested, then the police probably already have reasonable cause to make the arrest, and what you say once you’re in the back of a squad car or on the way to the police station isn’t likely to make them let you go. In fact, it may only get you into further trouble. Therefore, besides asking for a lawyer, you may not want to volunteer too much more information to the authorities without legal representation there to properly advise you.

Pay Attention

While you might be terrified at the prospect of winding up in jail, and your mind could be racing, try to note any important details that could further your case down the road. Paying attention and remembering what is said and done during your arrest could help your future defense. Be aware of those around you and look for witnesses or video cameras as they may corroborate your story and help your case, especially if you have been treated unfairly during the arrest.

Conclusion

Keeping your wits about you when being arrested can be essential to your fair treatment and the support of your defense later on. Keeping your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open may further facilitate your case when it comes time to do so with your legal representative there to assist you.

Billy Skinner is a criminal lawyer in Houston that represents clients charged with misdemeanor and felony offenses. To visit his criminal law blog or learn more about his areas of practice, go to http://www.billyskinnerlaw.com.

Category: