When you are stopped on suspicion of a DUI, the police have just that to go on— suspicion. Suspicion of a DUI only means that they have a notion of your condition. The way you react, communicate, and carry yourself can go on to incriminate you, and lead to a DUI charge. This is why it’s important that you remain silent. Furthermore, avoid doing or saying things that will hurt your case, and don’t admit fault. Just like with an auto accident, admitting fault can be deadly to your case and the future of your driving career…
Remain Silent: Strengthening your DUI Case
Incriminating yourself
You might not realize how easy it is to incriminate yourself during a DUI stop. While the officer has a reason to believe that you’re driving under the influence, they also have absolutely no clue as to what really caused that behavior. Maybe you were feeling sick, your contact fell out, or you simply made a simple mistake and swerved a bit. When an officer comes to your window— the things you say next are what go on to help your case, or theirs. Therefore, remain silent.
Don’t answer leading questions
We don’t encourage you to lie to the police. In fact, doing so is never going to improve your chances of walking away safely. However, not saying anything can be a strong option. Especially if you have been drinking, and aren’t sure of your BAC— it’s best that you avoid answering questions. By doing so, you might make yourself look worse than you already do. You know that you likely will not pass a breathalyzer, and will receive a DUI. However, by choosing to remain silent, you better your chances of avoiding a harsher penalty.
Furthermore, when an officer asks you how much you’ve had to drink— it’s best that you don’t answer. You might not realize, but you don’t have to blow a .08 to receive a DWI. In fact, if you are acting intoxicated, admit to heavy drinking, and don’t blow a .08— you still are at risk of a charge.
In short, keep your mouth close when it comes to the topic of your drinking before hitting the road
You drank and drove, which is not ideal— and you will likely still face some penalty. However, by not talking to police, you can better your chances of a heavier sentence. We encourage you to invoke your right to remain silent, not do field sobriety tests, and handle the situation with ease. Remember that you are on camera— and actions speak quite loudly.