Three Tips to Protect Your Rights After a DUI Stop in Connecticut

 Posted on March 14,2019 in Driving Under the Influence

No driver wants to see those blue flashing lights pop up in their rearview mirror. Traffic stops are always stressful. Being pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving is especially nerve-racking. At this time, you need to know how to protect your rights during the traffic stop and beyond. Notably, if you were arrested for a DUI in Stamford, CT, it is imperative that you reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Your driving privileges, your freedom, and your reputation could all be on the line. You are entitled to strong legal representation.

Do Not Try to Talk Your Way Out of a DUI

At a traffic stop, you should always remain polite and you should cooperate with the reasonable requests of the responding law enforcement officers. That being said, defendants have a legal right to remain silent. You are not required to answer any invasive questions. If you are suspected of a DUI, you should use this right. One of the biggest mistakes you can make at a drunk driving stop is trying to talk your way out of an arrest. You are far more likely to talk your way into an arrest or to inadvertently provide statements that will be used in a future prosecution.

Know the Rules on Field Sobriety Testing

As explained by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the state has an implied consent law on the books. Drivers in Connecticut have pre-consented to chemical alcohol tests — such as blood tests and breath tests. The failure to submit to one types of chemical tests could result in a DUI refusal charge. However, drivers have not consented to perform other, less reliable field sobriety types of tests. You are not legally required to do the walk-and-turn, one-leg-stand, or to recite the alphabet backwards.

Exercise Your Right to a DUI Defense Lawyer

You have a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney. Following an arrest, you should always seek legal guidance. You have no duty to answer any of the questions of the arresting officer. Remember, they are conducting an official criminal investigation and they are looking to build a legal case against you.

Never thoughtlessly plead guilty to a DUI offense. A conviction could have significant adverse ramifications. The best step that you can take to protect your legal rights after an arrest is to speak to a Connecticut drunk driving defense attorney. Your lawyer will make sure that your case is handled properly.

Get Help From Our Fairfield County Drunk Driving Defense Attorney Today

At the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner, we have more than four decades of experience handling a broad range of cases. If you or your loved one was arrested for intoxicated driving in Fairfield County, you need a top-rated Stamford DUI defense lawyer by your side. To schedule a free consultation, please do not hesitate to call our law office at 203-348-5846 or to contact us directly online.

Source:

https://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=813&q=249562