What to do During a DUI Stop

No one likes talking to police, whether for DUI or questions in a criminals case of any kind. You have both rights and responsibilities, regardless of the kind of crime being investigated. It's almost always valuable to get an attorney on your side.

Identification? Not Necessarily

Many citizens are not aware that they aren't required by law to answer all an officer's questions, even if they were driving. Even if you are required to show your ID, you generally don't have to answer other questions officers might have about anything like where you've been or how much you have had to drink, in the case of a drunken driving stop. The U.S. Constitution protects all of us and gives specific protections that allow you to remain quiet or give only some information. You have a right not to incriminate yourself, and you can almost always just leave if you aren't being officially detained.

Even though it's important to have a basic knowledge of your rights, you should get a lawyer who gets all the small stuff of the law so you can protect yourself fully. Legal matters change regularly, and differing laws apply based on jurisdiction and other factors. Furthermore, laws occasionally change during lawmaker meetings, and courts are constantly making further changes.

Usually, Talking is OK

It's good to know your rights, but you should know that usually the officers aren't out to harm you. Most are good men and women, and causing trouble is most likely to trouble you in the end. You don't want to make police officers feel like you hate them. This is an additional reason to hire an attorney such as the expert counsel at marijuana defense attorney Bridgeport, TX on your team, especially for interrogation. Your lawyer can tell you when you should give information and when to shut your mouth.

Cops Can't Always Do Searches Legally

Unless cops have probable cause that you you are a criminal, they can't search your car or home without permission. However, if you start to blab, leave evidence lying around, or submit to a search, any data collected could be used against you in trial. It's usually best to not give permission.