A DWI is a serious offense that can lead to you losing your license or being unable to work. You may lose your job, see your social life affected, lose financial aid and more.
A DWI can be given to anyone who seems impaired behind the wheel, even if their blood alcohol content (BAC) isn’t above .08%. This is something that many people are confused about, because they perceive the .08% limit as the first chance the officers would have to arrest them. The reality is that the .08% limit is a per se limit in which the officer needs no further evidence of impairment. If you’ve used drugs or medications, they may not show up on the breath test but could still result in a DWI.
What should you do if you’re pulled over by the police?
You should first prepare your license and registration. The officer may ask where you’re coming from or where you’re going, but you don’t necessarily have to answer. In fact, sometimes, the best thing to do is just to state that you’re heading home. If you suggest that you’re going to a bar or coming from a bar, then that could be used against you later.
Another thing to do is to remember that the officer has to have a reason for pulling you over, and you’re allowed to ask. You can politely ask what the reason for the stop was, and the officer should respond. If the officer tells you they smell alcohol or see signs of drugs, they may ask you to get out of your vehicle and take a Breathalyzer test, especially if you were driving recklessly.
If you are arrested, the next thing to do is to ask to speak with your attorney, so they can help you protect yourself.
