If the police pull you over, particularly if they suspect alcohol is involved, there are some things you should remember.

You don’t have to answer their questions. There is no law that says you have to answer there questions. You have to give them your name and address but that is all. You may worry about what the police will think if you don’t answer their questions. You really need to worry about what they will think if you do answer their questions. Just be polite and tell them that you do not wish to answer their questions without an attorney present.

You don’t have to take a field sobriety test. Actually, field sobriety tests are not that accurate. It is not unusual for people to come to the wrong conclusion during a field sobriety test. However, if you refuse to take a field sobriety test, they are probably going to take you to the police station for a blood or breathalyzer test, so your refusal may not keep you out of trouble.

You may think they can’t arrest you unless your BAC is higher than 0.08. Actually they can. They can arrest you if in their judgement you appear to be under the influence of alcohol regardless of your BAC. They can form their opinion based on the way that you were driving. Were you swerving, or changing lanes erratically? Did you hit anything? They can form their opinion based on the way that you were acting. Was your speech slurred? Was your radio blaring loud? Were you speaking loud or brashly?

If you were arrested for DUI, perhaps a good attorney can help you. You should at least have a consultation.

Alexander Truluck focuses his practice as a criminal defense attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.criminallawyerclearwaterflorida.com
or call (727) 799-3550.