What Should I Do If I Have Been Pulled Over for Suspicion of a DUI in Nashville?
If you are sober and the police pull you over, you may feel outraged or even helpless. However, law enforcement must have reason to believe that you are under the influence of an illicit substance or inebriated to pull you over. Signs of impairment often include zigzagging, erratic braking, and difficulty maintaining lane position. If you are exhibiting these or other comparable signs, a police officer may pull you over for suspicion of DUI.
Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, is devoted to helping those accused of a DUI maintain their freedom. In this blog, our Nashville DUI attorneys discuss what actions you should take if pulled over for a DUI and how a criminal defense attorney can be of assistance to you.
Answer Basic Questions
If you are pulled over, answer basic questions like your name and residential residence upon request. However, do not provide further information. If the officer asks if you have been drinking, refrain from answering.
Be Cordial
Answer the officer’s questions respectfully. Even if you feel annoyed by the questions, answer in a calm and cordial manner. Any signs of agitation could be used against you at a later time.
Provide Requested Information
The police officer may ask for your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance. Be sure to have this documentation handy and provide it promptly.
Choose Your Words Carefully
The officer may ask if you are the owner of the vehicle, where you were tonight, and if you know the reason that you were stopped. How you answer allows the officer to evaluate your level of impairment, so be careful with how you choose to respond. Also, refrain from making jokes to lighten the mood since this may irritate the officer.
Do Not Answer Questions About Your Drinking
You are not required to answer every question asked by the officer. You do have the right to refrain from answering questions until your attorney is present. The wisest choice you can make is to refuse to answer any questions related to your alcohol consumption until your attorney arrives.
With the exception of Utah, Tennessee law deems an individual to be legally intoxicated if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater. At 0.08%, the average individual has reduced reasoning skills, slowed reflexes, and slurred speech. Accordingly, the manner in which you answer the officer’s questions will determine if an officer asks you to submit to testing or sends you merrily on your way.
Contact a Nashville DUI Lawyer
A Nashville DUI attorney knows state law and your legal rights. A DUI conviction in Nashville is accompanied by jail time, license suspension, DUI classes, and the requirement that you install an ignition interlock device to your vehicle, to name a few.
The state is aggressive in digging up evidence against offenders, so it is never safe to assume that a DUI charge will go away on its own. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our Nashville DUI attorneys are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome. We have helped countless clients get DUI charges dropped and are eager to assist you.
Speak to Our Nashville DUI Lawyers Today
If you have been accused of driving under the influence, do not hesitate to contact Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, today. Our Nashville DUI lawyers have the necessary experience, knowledge, and skills to help you fight criminal charges. As former prosecutors, our DUI attorneys know the usual course that the prosecution will pursue and the most effective ways to poke “holes” in their case. To arrange your free consultation or to learn more, contact us online or by phone today.