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Los Angeles DUI Arrest Lawyers

What To Do If You Are Pulled Over for DUI

Being pulled over by a law enforcement officer, for any reason, can be nerve-racking. Although police and highway patrol officers suspect DUI more so late at night, they are always on the lookout for symptoms (or signs) of intoxication. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, here are some guidelines that may help you avoid a DUI arrest in Los Angeles:

• Once a law enforcement officer signals you to pull over, use your turn signal and slowly pull over to the side of the road. Do not speed up or the officer may get the wrong idea.
• Stay in the car, with your hands visibly on the wheel. Approaching a strange car is very dangerous for any law enforcement officer. Show them that you are not a threat by staying still and visible.
• Stay calm. Being extra fidgety or nervous may give the officer the idea that you are under the influence.
• Be polite and courteous towards the officer. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day. If you act defensive or belligerent, it will put them on their guard and increase their suspicions.
• Don't act as though you have anything to hide. Looking over your shoulder or around the car may make you look guilty.
• Produce your driver's license and registration when you are asked. Do not start shuffling around in your car without being prompted. The officer won't know what you're doing and will become defensive.
• The officer is watching your every move. Make sure you are calm and controlled. Do not move too slowly, but concentrate and take your time to perform actions. Rushing doesn't look too good either.
• If you do not want to answer the officer's questions because you believe it may incriminate you, embarrass you, or make the officer unnecessarily suspicious, just politely tell the officer, “I'd rather not say.” By your 5th Amendment rights, you do not have to answer. But be aware that the officer may take this as a consciousness of guilt and ask for a chemical BAC test.
• Comply with any order given to you by the officer. If the officer asks you to step out of the car, do so - but slowly and carefully. If you have had nothing to drink but stumble out of the car because you are rushing, the officer will consider it as a symptom of intoxication.
• Politely decline to take field sobriety tests. Although there are three standard sobriety tests, as established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an officer may ask you to perform several different types. These are not required tests. It is the officer's opinion whether you pass or fail these tests. Excessive nervousness or anxiety and even a medical condition can cause you to fail these tests and lead to a DUI arrest.
• If the officer asks you to take a chemical breath, blood, or urine test to determine your BAC, do not refuse if you have been formally placed under arrest. In California, you are legally obligated to comply with this request under the state's Implied Consent law after you have been arrested. If you have not been placed under arrest, you have the right to refuse preliminary breath testing. Refusal carries penalties, including a fine, suspension of your driver's license, and potentially imprisonment.
• If, after following these steps, you are still arrested for a DUI, it is advisable to retain the services of an experienced and aggressive DUI defense attorney.

Beating DUI Charges in Southern California

The reputed Los Angeles DUI defense attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff have years of experience defending and protecting the legal rights of people arrested for DUI in Southern California. It is a noble goal to rid the roads of dangerous drunk drivers, but, oftentimes, innocent people get caught in the net. If you believe you have been unjustly arrested for DUI, contact one of our lawyers today. As lawyers who have experience as former DUI prosecutors and advisors to local law enforcement on the proper procedures for DUI arrests and prosecution, we will examine the circumstances of your arrest and build a strong defense on your behalf.

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