3 Common Mistakes To Avoid During a DUI Traffic Stop in Illinois

 Posted on April 06, 2020 in DUI

If you are a driver, there is a good chance you will be pulled over by law enforcement for some reason during your lifetime. If you have ever been stopped by the police, you know the feelings of anxiety and fear that can manifest because of those flashing red and blue lights. Being pulled over because an officer suspects you are driving under the influence (DUI) is even more serious. DUI offenses are not taken lightly in the state of Illinois, and a conviction for a first offense could result in steep fines, the suspension or revocation of your driver's license, and even jail time. Although the uncertainty of a DUI traffic stop can be very intimidating, what you do after being pulled over can greatly impact your case. Below are a few common mistakes that people make after being pulled over on suspicion of DUI:

Admitting You Have Been Drinking

When the police officer first approaches your window, he or she will probably try to make small talk. This might include questions about where you have been or what you have been doing. The officer might even outright ask you if you have been drinking. While you should never answer that you have indeed been drinking, you should also never lie to the police. If an officer asks you if you have been drinking, you can inform him or her that you would rather not answer that question.

Taking a Field Sobriety Test

If an officer thinks you may have been drinking, he or she may ask you to submit to field sobriety testing. These tests will require you to perform tasks such as walking in a straight line or follow the officer’s finger with your eyes. Although an officer may ask you to perform standardized field sobriety tests, he or she may also ask you to perform non-standardized tests, which can be unreliable, and whether you pass or fail may be based on the officer’s judgment. You have the right to decline to take any field sobriety tests, and it is usually in your best interests to do so. 

Arguing With the Police Officer

One of the worst things you could do when you are pulled over for any reason is to argue with the officer. Even if you know that you did not do anything wrong, the best thing to do is to remain calm and comply with the officer's requests, and if necessary, you can politely decline to answer questions or submit to testing. If you refuse to follow the officer's instructions and become rude or argumentative, the officer may charge you with resisting arrest. If you are arrested and charged with DUI, the judge in your case will likely not look favorably upon your belligerent behavior, even if the officer was in the wrong.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

If you or your loved one is facing DUI charges, you should speak with an accomplished Arlington Heights, IL DUI defense lawyer right away. If you are convicted of DUI, you can face expensive fines, a driver’s license suspension, and in some cases, jail time. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law has years of experience helping clients defend their DUI cases to secure favorable outcomes. He can help you mitigate any mistakes you may have made during your Illinois DUI traffic stop. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 847-253-3400.

Source:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a118.pdf