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DUI Law FAQ: Do I have the right to talk with a lawyer during field sobriety testing?

DWI Attorney

Have you been arrested and charged with a DUI? If so, you may want to talk with a DUI lawyer who can advise you of your legal rights and options. What you should understand right now is that these cases tend to be processed rather quickly through the court system. The longer you wait to retain the services of a private DUI lawyer, the more you might lose.

Can I call a DUI lawyer if I have been pulled over and am being asked to take a field sobriety test?

If you have been pulled over for any reason, and the police officer believes you could be under the influence, he or she may ask that you take a field sobriety test. This could include a one-leg stand test, walk and turn test, horizontal gaze nystagmus test, and a breathalyzer test.

Techincally you have the right to refuse participating in any of these tests. However, if you do refuse, there is a very good chance that you will be arrested and taken to the police station. Depending on the state you are in, if you refuse field sobriety testing, and the police officer believed you were under the influence, your denial might be enough to charge you with a DUI. In other states or situations, you may have to undergo a mandatory blood test. Only after you have been charged with a DUI can you call a DUI lawyer for help.

In between you being pulled over, questioned about field sobriety testing, and arrested you do not have the right to an attorney. That being said, you do have the right to remain silent. You don’t have to give any information to the police apart from your name.

If you are intoxicated, and you are being arrested under suspicion of a DUI, it may be in your best interest to remain silent and call a private DUI lawyer for help.

Call a Lawyer Today

DUIs are not an offense to take lightly. Thinking they are a “simple” offense or something you can ignore is not a good idea. Apart from the fines and fees, probation, jail time, loss of a license, and other penalties, the long term repercussions can affect your job, where you live, your ability take out a loan, your insurance, and more. Regardless of whether this is your first or fourth DUI, you should talk with a DWI attorney Washington, DC trusts as soon as possible.

Thanks to The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into criminal defense and field sobriety tests.