What to Do If You Are Pulled Over for a Sobriety Test in Texas

Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 16-Jul-2013

Do you know what to do when you see a police officer’s flashing lights in your rear-view mirror? If you are suspected of driving drunk, or DUI, you have legal rights, even if you have had too much to drink. If you are arrested, contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Here is how to handle your initial DUI stop and sobriety test.

Act Respectfully

Whether you are suspected of DWI, a sex crime, or an aggravated assault, being polite and respectful to police officers can go a long way. In fact, if you aren’t, you may face additional criminal charges such as disorderly conduct. When you are pulled over in Texas, remain calm, keep your hands on the wheel, and avoid making any jerky movements that could be interpreted as threatening.

Stay Seated

Unless or until a police officer asks you to exit the car, remain quiet and seated in the driver’s seat of your vehicle. If you are being pulled over after dark, a police officer has no way of knowing if you are armed and dangerous, and he must act to protect himself and innocent bystanders. Police simply do not appreciate anyone exiting the car.

Plead the Fifth

When a law enforcement officer asks if you have been drinking, never offer up extra information. Unless you sincerely have not been drinking, honesty is not the best policy in this situation. Telling the officer how many drinks you have had will not earn you any extra points, and may hurt your attorney’s case later on. Instead, opt to plead the Fifth Amendment to avoid incriminating yourself.

Texas law is significantly different from DUI regulations in other states, and you need an experienced criminal defense attorney with a proven track record of success. For attentive legal representation and creative defense strategies, call the Dallas defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass to discuss your criminal matter.