What to Do if You’re Pulled Over

It is always frightening to look in your rearview mirror and see the flashing lights of a police officer, signaling you to pull over to the side of the road.  When you are stopped, you should be familiar with the typical course of action and your rights as a citizen.  With this knowledge, you can help protect yourself as best as possible while interacting with law enforcement workers.

The first thing you should remember is to always be cooperative.  By using your turn signal and flashers when pulling off the road, you indicate to the officer that you are a safe and conscientious driver.  By taking anticipatory actions like rolling down your window before the officer approaches your car, you show that you respect him or her.  All of these items will likely have a positive impact on the police officer.

Once you have pulled over to the side of the road, you will likely be asked to present your license and registration.  Have these on hand and ready to pass over.  If you are stopped for suspected DUI, you may also be asked to take field sobriety tests or a breathalyzer exam.  You have the right to refuse them, but refusing a breathalyzer will likely result in harsh penalties.

Should the officer determine that you are too intoxicated to drive, he or she will take you into police custody.  Before law enforcement officials are allowed to interrogate you, they must read you the Miranda Warning.  If they fail to do so, then any answers you provide to their questions cannot be used as evidence against you.

Contact Us

If you have been charged with DUI, then Rhode Island DUI defense lawyer James Powderly can help.  Contact him today by calling 401-662-9006.