The police can stop your car if they have reasonable suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other drugs. A few signs, such as swerving and violating traffic laws, can help them conclude this and, in turn, stop you. Upon stopping you, the police will undoubtably ask you questions. Should you answer?
You should be careful about what you tell them. Here is what you should know:
Only provide relevant information
When the police stop you for a DUI, you should only provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and any needed personal information. Questions outside this subject, such as if you have been drinking, how much you drank or what you drank, may incriminate you. Thus, you should politely decline to answer them. You can say, “I don’t want to answer that,” or “I’m uncomfortable answering that.”
Answering all questions in-depth seems like cooperating and can help the police let you go. However, this is not always the case. They will pay attention to every detail you provide and use it against you once they charge you. You can cooperate with the police without incriminating yourself or abandoning your right to remain silent. For instance, if they ask you to get out of the car or provide documents, you should do so.
What should you do next?
After asking you questions and performing needed tests, the police may arrest you. You should get professional guidance, as the police may continue asking questions at the station. A professional can help you know what to answer and what to decline to answer.
You can incriminate yourself when you talk to the police. It is always best to get legal guidance to protect your rights.