What to do During a DUI Stop

It's usually right that police want what's best for everyone, but it's a good idea to be familiar with your rights. Police have the ultimate power - to take away our liberty and, sometimes, even our lives. If you are part of a criminal defense case or investigated for drunken driving, make sure you are protected by an attorney.

Identification? Not Necessarily

Many citizens don't know that they don't have to answer all an officer's questions, even if they were driving. If they aren't driving, they don't always have to show ID either. The law covers all citizens and gives special protections that let you remain quiet or give only a little information. You have a right not to give testimony against yourself, and you may usually walk away if you aren't being detained or arrested.

Even law-abiding people need criminal defense lawyers. Whether you have violated the law or not, you should be protected. Laws change often, and differing laws apply jurisdictionally. Find someone whose full-time job it is to be aware of these things if you want to prevail in any criminal defense or DUI case.

There are Times to Talk

While there are instances when you should be quiet in the legal matters, remember how most officers really want peace and justice and would rather not take you out. You shouldn't want to make police officers feel like your enemies. This is an additional reason to get an attorney such as the expert counsel at dui defense attorneys Provo, UT on your side, especially for interrogation. Your legal criminal defense counsel can advise you on when you should speak up with information and when staying quiet is a better idea.

Know When to Grant or Deny Permission

You don't have to give permission to look through your home or automobile. However, if you start to blab, leave evidence lying around, or grant permission for a search, any data collected could be used against you in court. It's usually best to not give permission.

dui defense attorneys Provo, UT


What to do During a DUI Stop

It's a good idea to trust that police want what's best in most situations, but it's wise to be familiar with your rights and make sure you are protected. Police have the ultimate power - to take away our choices and, occasionally, even our lives. If you are being questioned in a criminal defense case or investigated for driving drunk, make sure you are protected by working closely with an attorney.

Identification? Not Necessarily

Many people don't know that they aren't required by law to answer all police questions, even if they are behind the wheel. Even if you do have to prove who you are, you generally don't have to answer other questions officers might have about anything such as your recent whereabouts and activities or whether you drink, in the case of a drunken driving stop. These rights were put into the U.S. Constitution and have been verified by the U.S. Supreme Court. While it's usually wise to cooperate with officers, it's important to understand that you have a right to not incriminate yourself.

Imagine a situation where officers think you have committed a crime, but you aren't guilty. This is just one situation where you ought to consider to hire a qualified, competent attorney. State and federal laws change regularly, and differing laws apply in different areas. This is particularly true since laws regularly change and legal matters are decided often that also make a difference.

Sometimes You Should Talk to Police

While there are times to stay mute in the working with the police, remember that most police really want to help and would rather not take you out. Refusing to cooperate could cause be problematic. This is another instance when you should hire the best criminal defense attorney, such as dwi lawyer decatur is wise. Your lawyer can tell you when you should give information and when to keep quiet.

Know When to Grant or Deny Permission

Unless the police have probable cause that you you are a criminal, they can't search your home or vehicle without permission. Probable cause, defined simply, is a reasonable belief that a crime is in progress. It's more serious than that, though. It's probably smart to deny permission for searches verbally and let your attorney handle it.