A DWI has the potential to negatively influence your life in many ways. From causing the people around you to question your choices to struggling to make it to work on time, a DWI has immediate and lasting consequences.
The reality is that most people are aware that driving while under the influence is dangerous. Even though that’s the case, many still choose to drive while intoxicated. So, what can you do to avoid a DWI?
One good way to try to avoid a DWI is to be respectful and calm when you’re stopped and approached by an officer. You’ll need to give the officer your license, registration and insurance. You may want to angle your face away from the officer if you think your breath smells of alcohol, but make sure you’re still making eye contact. You don’t have to roll your window down completely, just enough to give the officer the paperwork.
Another thing to remember is that an officer can’t give you a Breathalyzer test right away. Usually, they’ll wait around 20 minutes to do so, to ensure that the person they’re testing has not vomited, burped or coughed in a way that might affect the test.
What should you do if you know you’re over the limit and are asked to take a breath test?
Most people should avoid giving a Breathalyzer test if they know they’re over the limit because that test will only guarantee that the police obtain evidence against them.
Your attorney can talk to you more about whether to take a Breathalyzer test, what to do if you are charged with a DWI and how you can fight it.