Drunk Driving Attorney in Huntsville

Immediate Steps After Getting Pulled Over for a DUI

Alabama law takes drunk or impaired driving seriously and how you handle the initial traffic stop can significantly affect your case.  You need to understand a bit about the process to protect your rights until an attorney is at your side.

The rules of testing

Two types of tests are typically conducted during a DUI stop, but the requirements are very different between them:

• Blood alcohol tests: Alabama is an implied consent state.  This means driving within the state implies that you agree to chemical blood testing—breath and urine tests being the most common.  Not agreeing to a test can carry penalties such as mandatory suspension of your license.  But, even if you are tested, you should pay close attention to the skills and techniques of the officer conducting the test.  Skilled drunk driving attorneys in Huntsville can use these details to later refute the results of the test.
• Field sobriety tests: You are not legally required to agree to other tests such as walking a straight line, standing on one foot, or other tests of balance and physical abilities.  These tests are notorious for being unreliable because anything—from the shoes you wear to your natural abilities—can adversely affect the results.  In most cases, it makes sense to refuse a field sobriety test.

Answering questions

By all means, be polite, and even try to appear helpful when talking with police officers.  But, say as little as possible, even before you are officially arrested.  After the arrest, your Miranda right to remain silent immediately goes into effect—but be sure to implicitly state that you want to exercise this right to ensure all questioning stops until your criminal law attorney is at your side.

Calling an experienced DUI law firm in Huntsville for help

Even during the traffic stop, it is worth asking police for permission to make a call.  Even a brief conversation with your drunk driving attorney can provide you with valuable advice on how to handle the traffic stop.  Of course, if you have been placed under arrest, you need to specifically request your Miranda right to have your attorney present.  Then, be sure to remain silent until your attorney arrives and has had a chance to talk with you regarding your DUI charge.

Reach out to an experienced Huntsville DUI Law Firm

To speak with an experienced, reliable and effective Alabama attorney about your legal needs, contact James R. Foley online or at 256-513-6396 today.