When you’re driving, the last thing you want to see is flashing red and blue lights behind you. However, when you are approached by the officer, they may ask if you’ve been drinking. Before you respond, thinking about what you’re going to say is critical. Knowing what to say is key to not incriminating yourself or lying to the officer, both of which can negatively impact the outcome of this interaction. If you’ve been stopped, you’ll want to keep reading to learn what to say and how a Cobb County DUI lawyer can help you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances.
What Signs of Intoxication Will the Officer Look For?
When operating a motor vehicle, the police can pull you over if you display signs of unsafe driving often associated with drinking. This includes going too fast or too slow, weaving in and out of traffic, veering out of your lane, failing to stop at stop signs, and failing to use turn signals. If any of these happen, the officer has probable cause to stop your vehicle.
Once you are stopped, the officer will approach your window and immediately assess the scene to see if they have reason to suspect you are under the influence. They will examine your appearance to see if you have glossy or bloodshot eyes, and take note of any alcohol odor coming from you or your vehicle. Additionally, they will scan the visible area of your car for alcohol cans or bottles. With that said, the officer cannot search your vehicle without first obtaining a search warrant. However, if you have an open bottle of alcohol on the passenger seat, that is enough to show that a crime has likely been committed.
In addition to your appearance, the officer will also pay attention to whether or not your speech is slurred, if you are confused, and if you have problems balancing.
How Should I Respond When Asked if I’ve Been Drinking?
If the officer has any reason to believe that you are under the influence of alcohol, it’s important to understand that this can be incredibly detrimental. In the event you have not had any alcohol, you can be truthful with the officer. However, they will likely ask you to take a breathalyzer test to confirm. If you refuse to take a breathalyzer, you will face an automatic license suspension.
In the event you have had a few drinks, it’s imperative to understand that you should not lie, as this can only make matters worse. On the other hand, admitting to one or two drinks is enough probable cause for the officer to charge you. As such, if you’re asked, you should tell the officer that you have been advised not to answer any questions. This prevents you from lying and incriminating yourself.
If you find yourself in legal trouble, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced DUI attorney from the Miller Law Practice who can help guide you through these complicated times. Reach out to our firm today to learn how we can assist you through these challenges.