Drunk Driving Charges Start

Drunk driving charges start inevitably with being stopped by the police. If this has happened to you, then you are not alone. Significant numbers of drivers have faced the same ordeal. You might have been pulled over while driving, or alternatively you were possibly caught up in a roadside sobriety checkpoint. In either scenario the tips given by many shrewd DWI lawyers remain the same.

The first decision you face occurs right as the officer approaches your window.  Most commonly the initial request is for your drivers license, registration and proof of insurance all of which you should provide.  However, if the officer suspects DWI then the next questions prove more troublesome.

The right course of action on your part at this juncture allows more flexibility in your lawyer's selected DWI defense in court. Each situation must be judged on its own merits, however most lawyers advise not to answer any questions about how much you have had to drink or where you were prior to being stopped. Invariably, anything you do say will end up being used against you.

The next phase of the process most often entails a request that you take some field sobriety tests.  As indicated, there is no one right answer for every situation.  That being said, most DWI specialists agree that these tests as well should be declined.  It is the theory of many lawyers that drivers will almost invariably fail these tests once the officer decides to administer them.

The subsequent decision that need be made shortly thereafter is far more difficult.  The officer will ask you to take either a breath or a blood test.  These tests are crafted to ascertain your blood alcohol content (BAC).  There are pros and cons for either refusing or complying.  The downside of refusing these tests is that almost every jurisdiction has a law which causes suspension of your drivers license should you refuse.

On the flip side, if you comply with the test you very well may be giving the prosecution their best evidence.  The aggregate DWI case expenses can be greatly increased by the large fines possible if the State proves the most serious DWI charge.  Without complying with the breath or blood test it often proves difficult for the prosecution to prove this count.