Your Minnesota DWI lawyer wants you to know what to do before you’re stopped by a police officer for DWI.  You had a beer with your friends and now you’re driving home when the flashing lights demand you pull over.  What should you do?

First, pull over and stop the car.  Second, stay in the car.  Get your driver’s license and car registration out and have them ready.  Don’t fumble around and look afraid or worried.  Roll the window down just enough to hand over the papers and don’t breathe on the officer.  Don’t talk unless you are asked a question and if you are asked a question, be brief and to the point.  You don’t want to give probable cause for any further action.

If the officer asks you if you were drinking, politely say “I’ve been advised by my Minnesota Defense Attorney to call him before answering any questions from an officer.”

If the officer asks you to perform the breathalyzer test, don’t.  You are under no legal obligation to do so. Be polite and respectfully say, “I’ve been advised to contact my attorney before I submit to any tests.”   Refusing the breath test on the roadside gives probable cause for the officer to arrest you for DUI/DWI however such a refusal is not allowed into evidence in court.

If he asks you to get out of the car, do so.  Be respectful.  Don’t breath or laugh towards the officer’s face.  Don’t make jokes or try to be a buddy with the police.  Officers are not your friend and they are trying to gather evidence against you to justify an arrest.

If he asks you to do any field sobriety tests, politely decline.  You don’t have to, so don’t.  The officer is looking for any justifiable reason to arrest you, so don’t help officer assist the prosecutor in creating criminal charges against you for DUI/DWI.

To learn more about what to do when pulled over by the police and questioned about a DUI/DWI, call Minnesota Criminal Defense attorney Christopher Keyser at (612) 338-5007 or visit www.keyserdefense.com.