What to do During a DUI Stop

It's wise to believe that officers want what's best in most situations, but it's also important to be aware of your rights and make sure you are protected. Police have the ultimate power - to take away our freedom and, sometimes, even our lives. If you are part of a criminal defense case or investigated for drunken driving, make sure you are protected by a good lawyer.

Identification? Not Necessarily

Many people don't know that they aren't required by law to answer all a police officer's questions, even if they were driving. Even if you are required to show your ID, you may not have to say more about anything like where you've been or whether you drink, in the case of a potential DUI arrest. The law covers all citizens and gives assurances that allow you to remain quiet or give only a little information. You have a right not to give testimony against yourself, and you have a right to walk away if you aren't being detained or arrested.

Even though it's good to have a solid education about your rights, you need a legal advocate who gets all the small stuff of the law if you want to protect yourself reasonably. Knowing all thelegal requirements and being aware of the different situations where they apply should be left up to good laywers. It's also worth saying that laws occasionally get adjusted during legislative sessions, and courts of law are constantly making further changes.

There are Times to Talk

It's best to know your rights, but you should know that usually the officers aren't out to harm you. Most are good men and women, and causing disorder is most likely to trouble you in the end. You probably don't want to make police officers feel like you hate them. This is yet one more reason to work with an attorney such as the expert counsel at attorney tacoma wa on your side, especially during questioning. A qualified criminal defense lawyer can help you better understand when to talk and when to keep quiet.

Question Permission to Search

Unless the police have probable cause that you you are a criminal, they can't search your car or home without permission. Probable cause, defined in an elementary way, is a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed. It's more serious than that, though. It's probably smart to always refuse searches verbally and let your attorney handle it.