If you have been drinking and get pulled over by a police officer, it is important to remain calm. Pull over somewhere safely onto the right side of the road, roll down your window and turn off your vehicle’s engine. Wait patiently for the officer to approach and do not get out of your car. The officer will most likely comment on your driving pattern and ask if you have been drinking. It is best to tell the officer the truth, because lying to an officer can get you in even more trouble.
It is illegal for an officer to pull you over for no reason. An officer must have suspicion that you are engaged in criminal activity or are committing a traffic violation unless you are stopped at a road block or prearranged checkpoint. Throughout the process, make sure you cooperate with your officer and maintain calm. It’s easy to worry about what may or may not happen, but being polite will always help. Answer the questions the officer asks, but do not offer additional information. Remember you have a right to privacy in your vehicle and that officers can only search your car under certain circumstances.
You will most likely be asked to perform one or more “field sobriety tests.” If an officer suspects you are driving under the influence, you will be given the option to take a breathalyzer on the street or be arrested and take the test at the police station. Refusing to take this test is illegal in San Diego and the rest of California and could cost you an automatic one-year driver’s license suspension.
Most San Diego and California DUI arrests are misdemeanors if it was your first DUI and there were no accidents involved. You should be released from jail after a few hours of your booking if you promise you will attend all required court processes. When leaving, you should receive a citation to appear in court and a temporary driver’s license. You must pick your California driver’s license up at the DMV.
If you feel your DUI was wrongfully charged, you may want to hire a San Diego DUI lawyer. Ernest Lee Law Offices has served California since 2007 and will help you get the justice you deserve. Let us make your DUI case easier. Call today 619-795-0991
