It’s summer, and that means it’s party time for many New Jersey residents. It also means that the police will be out in full force patrolling for drunk drivers. If you plan on partying this summer, here are five tips you can use to reduce your risk of facing a DUI:
1. Know Your Rights If the Police Pull You Over
When the police pull you over on suspicion of DUI, you have clear legal rights under the U.S. Constitution and New Jersey law. Asserting these legal rights effectively will help you avoid a DUI in many cases. For example, one of the biggest mistakes people make during DUI traffic stops is saying too much. Other than identifying yourself, you don’t have to say anything, and anything you say voluntarily will only be used against you.
2. Know Your Rights at a DUI Checkpoint
There are limits on what the police can do at DUI checkpoints. For example, they cannot ask you to pull over unless they have a specific reason to believe that you are legally impaired. They also cannot force you to answer any questions, nor can they search your vehicle without your consent (unless they have probable cause and an exception to the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement applies).
3. Stay Calm When Talking to the Police
Many people get nervous, scared or angry when talking to the police, and they end up saying things they can’t take back. If the police stop you on suspicion of DUI, stay calm, provide your driver’s license and vehicle registration, and then politely state that you are asserting your legal rights.
Even if the officer persists, do not answer any questions, and do not take the field sobriety tests (unlike the breathalyzer, these are not covered under New Jersey’s implied consent law). If the officer arrests you, state immediately that you would like to speak with an attorney.
4. Contact a Lawyer Right Away if You Get Arrested
Not only should you say that you would like to speak with an attorney, but you should also actually contact an attorney—and you should do so right away. A New Jersey DUI defense lawyer will be able to walk you through what to do and what not to do, and your lawyer can start building your defense immediately.
5. Don’t Drink and Drive
Of course, the best way to avoid a DUI is to avoid getting drunk and then getting behind the wheel. If you go out partying this summer, make plans to get a safe ride home. Not only is driving drunk illegal, but it also puts other people at risk. So, do everyone a favor and make sure you don’t drink and drive.
Talk to a New Jersey DUI Defense Lawyer in Confidence
Unfortunately, even if you do everything right, you could still find yourself facing a DUI charge. If this happens, you will need experienced legal representation. For a free, no-obligation consultation with New Jersey DUI defense lawyer Scott Gorman, call 201-489-9199 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
Published in Categories: DUI / DWI
