Valentine’s Day is meant to be a joyous and romantic celebration of love. Many people plan elaborate activities for the holiday that are meticulously thought out. From the perfect candlelit dinner to a picturesque walk at sunset, these dates can be some of the best you’ll ever have in your life. Unfortunately, your plans can turn traumatic if you are pulled over for a DUI on Valentine’s Day. The criminal defense lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group want you to know what to do if you are involved in a Valentine’s Day DUI traffic stop situation.
DUI on Valentine’s Day: Traffic Stop Tips
If you’re pulled over at a police traffic stop or DUI checkpoint on Valentine’s Day, here are five things to keep in mind.
- Keep your interior lights on in the vehicle, and your hands on the wheel, in sight of the officer. Do not make any sudden movements, as they could be mistaken for an attack.
- Make sure to have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance card. Authorities will want to see these first. Not having them can lead to fines and civil citations.
- You may decline a request to perform field sobriety tests. This is advisable as they are not always accurate. Generally, you will not be penalized for refusing. But if you are charged with a DUI and your case goes to trial, the jury can hear that you refused the field sobriety tests.
- If asked to perform a breathalyzer test, usually a hand-held device, prior to being placed under arrest or taken into custody, respectfully decline. Any aggressive behavior towards law enforcement may later count against you.
- Exercise your right to remain silent until a criminal defense attorney can help you.
Most importantly, always be respectful during a traffic stop, and comply with the officer’s requests. Pay attention, however. You will want to make note if the breathalyzer equipment seems broken, faulty, or not maintained correctly. Also, watch to see if the officer fails to read you your rights or denies your right to speak with a DUI lawyer prior to administration of any chemical tests.
More on Field Sobriety Tests
Authorities may request you take part in one of the following during a Valentine’s Day DUI traffic stop:
- The horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN)
- Walk-and-turn test
- One-leg stand
- Heel-to-toe tes,
- Finger-to-nose test
- Alphabet recitation
- Fingers-to-thumb test
- Hand pat
- Rhomberg modified position of attention
Many factors can cause any of these tests to go wrong. First, the lighting may be poor or even nonexistent. Second, you could innocently misunderstand instructions given to you due to traffic noise drowning out much of the instructions an officer gives you. Third, inclement weather conditions may hinder your steps as you walk and turn.
Fourth, you may have a medical condition or physical impairment that makes it nearly impossible to adequately complete these tasks. In addition, there could be a language barrier between you and the police officer. This is why it is so important for a criminal defense attorney like Lerner and Rowe Law Group to get involved in your DUI case sooner than later.
Remember, Arizona’s zero tolerance policy regarding alcohol means you’ll need strategic and assertive representation.
DUI on Valentine’s Day? Contact Lerner and Rowe.
A lot of work, organization, and legal knowledge goes into preparing a successful criminal defense case. So, be sure to have proficient DUI defense attorneys in Arizona on your side. Call our legal team at 602-667-7777 any time, seven days a week. We offer completely free consultations and affordable payment plans. Don’t try to get through this on your own, let Lerner and Rowe Law Group help.