An enjoyable night on the town with old friends, maybe some you haven’t seen in a while, could lead to a life-changing traffic stop. Perhaps you innocently had a few cocktails. When the party was over, you decided that you were okay to drive. As you head home, you see the reflection of flashing lights in your rearview mirror.
Essential steps to take
What you do as the police officer walks up to your car window may help to minimize the potential consequences of a drunk driving arrest.
- First and foremost, you have the right to remain silent. Do not provide any information that could end up incriminating you.
- Make sure that you have necessary documentation, including your license, registration, and insurance card in the car. Regardless of your level of sobriety or lack thereof, you could suffer certain consequences for the oversight.
- Before you refuse a breathalyzer test, know that Oklahoma and every state in the union have laws that penalize turning down testing. The most sober driver could face serious legal consequences, specifically suspending your driver’s license.
- Nothing changes your mood more than a police officer pulling you over. However, taking it out on law enforcement can worsen a bad situation.
- Don’t reveal information on prescription medication. Engaging in a conversation with the officer over the meds you take and how they affect you is under the category of “too much information.”
- Don’t try to outrun the officer. Regardless of your level of sobriety, fleeing can place you on a path to more serious legal consequences, not to mention being detained in jail.
An arrest does not mean a conviction is imminent. Help from a skilled drunk driving defense attorney can provide a path to minimize the consequences you will face.