Not many encounters with law enforcement are as daunting as being pulled over for a possible DUI investigation. It doesn’t get any better if you have no idea how to respond to a DUI stop.
If you are stopped for a DUI investigation, it is crucial to understand that your case begins as soon as the police’s siren goes off. Consequently, it is important that you are mindful of your interaction with law enforcement.
Here are two things you should avoid saying to the police during your DUI stop:
I only had one beer, so I can’t be drunk
To stop you for a drunk driving investigation, the police must have reasonable suspicion that you are inebriated behind the wheel. In other words, you must be violating some traffic rules (like driving with your headlights off at night, weaving in and out of your lane or running through the red light). If the police were to stop you without reasonable suspicion, you’d petition the court to dismiss the DUI charges against you.
During the stop, the police will likely ask if you have been out drinking. And you might innocently tell them that you only had one beer and that there is no way you could be drunk. Unfortunately, this admission will only give the police reason to demand that you take a chemical test. Additionally, they will document this and use it against you in court. It is not up to you to determine whether you have exceeded the legal limit or not. Leave this to the law.
I had a glass of wine, but that was hours ago
Admitting that you took a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage several hours before hitting the road will not get you off the hook either. Keep in mind that alcohol impacts people differently. Besides, it takes several hours for your system to get rid of the alcohol in your blood.
A drunk driving conviction can impact various aspects of your life. Learning more about Florida DUI laws can help you avoid costly mistakes that can jeopardize your drunk driving case.