Once the officer approaches your vehicle, be very cautious about what questions you answer and how you answer them; whatever you say will most likely be used against you later. The easier your answer, the less likely an officer is to determine that your speech is slurred giving them even more reason to suspect you are driving under the influence. Simple “no” answers or “I would rather not say” answers are the best way to deal with the questions you will be asked.
Florida DUI stops: Implied consent
Like most other states, Florida has an implied consent rule. Basically, this rule states when you applied for your driver’s license you agreed that you would subject yourself to field sobriety tests or breathalyzer tests if you are stopped for suspicion of DUI. If you refuse the test, your license will be suspended immediately and you will be arrested.
What to do once arrested
Regardless of whether you have taken any tests to confirm a DUI, it is imperative you say as little as possible. Never confirm you have been drinking, do not tell any law enforcement officer where you were coming from or where you were going. Keep in mind, every question you are asked will be done in a way that will basically be encouraging you to admit you were driving under the influence. Immediately contact an experienced DUI lawyer for assistance.
Working with your DUI attorney
Keep in mind, your attorney is there to assist you through every step of the process. You will have to go to the DMV for an administrative hearing at which time the officer will provide his evidence against you. One way Attorney James Davis uses this process to work on your behalf is recording the entire hearing. This often means we can use any discrepancies in the officer’s statement to discredit him in court later.
If you have been stopped and charged with a DUI, call me, Attorney James Davis, at (904) 358-0420 immediately. I have the skills and experience you need to ensure the best possible outcome for a DUI charge.