Parties and other social gatherings take place throughout Scottsdale to welcome in 2020. Many of these celebrations will include champagne and other alcoholic beverages. Despite all of the high spirits this evening brings, our Scottsdale DUI attorneys are well aware that you could find yourself having unwanted police contact if you’ve had a few drinks to celebrate the New Year.
If you plan on drinking, it’s best to leave the driving to others and your car at home. Designated drivers, cabs, rideshare services, or riding the city bus are all fantastic forms of transportation. All of them can help you enjoy thrilling celebrations and keep you safer.
That said, Lerner and Rowe Law Group understands that some people will be driving over the holiday. If you find yourself pulled over on suspicion of intoxicated driving on New Year’s Eve, it’s helpful to know what you should do next.
What to Do If Pulled Over for Suspicion of DUI NYE
Be courteous and respectful.
Being pulled over can be a nerve-racking experience. When an officer approaches your vehicle, do not insult them or try to bargain with them. Doing so could escalate the situation and have you facing criminal charges unrelated to a DUI.
Cooperate.
When the officer asks to see your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Just know that as the officer is making the request they are also carefully observing you for signs of impaired mobility, slurred speech, and other signs of alcohol or drug use.
Exercise your ability to refuse a field sobriety test.
If after observing you, the officer suspects that you might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol they will ask you to step out of your vehicle. The officer may ask you to perform a field sobriety test. It is important to note that you can respectfully refuse to do the field sobriety test; Arizona law does not require you to comply.
Exercise your right to remain silent.
With or without the field sobriety testing, you may be placed under arrest for suspicion of drunk driving if the officer thinks you have been drinking or are under the influence of drugs to the point of impairment.
Once placed under arrest, the officer may read you your Miranda rights. These rights give you the option to remain silent so as not to incriminate yourself. Your best option is to exercise that right and stay silent until you have an attorney present to represent you.
Consent to testing of your breath or blood.
It usually does not help you to refuse to take a blood, breath, or urine test when arrested for a DUI. After you get to the police station, you’ll be asked to submit to either a blood or breath test.
These tests are used to determine what your blood alcohol level was at the time you were driving. If you refuse, an officer can issue an “implied consent” license suspension lasting for one year.
The suspension can last up to two years if you refused a breathalyzer test within the past seven years. Additionally, if you refuse, an officer will then request a search warrant from a judge to obtain the requested sample.
Call experienced DUI attorneys.
As soon as you have the opportunity, it’s imperative that you contact a team of capable Scottsdale DUI attorneys. At Lerner and Rowe Law Group, our skilled criminal defense lawyers know how to guide you through the complex DUI court process to help ensure that your personal rights are protected and the best possible outcome is reached. Contacting Scottsdale DUI attorneys may also help you avoid finding yourself in an unwanted position that could result in stiffer penalties.
Arrested for Suspicion of DUI on New Year’s Eve? Let Our Scottsdale DUI Attorneys Help!
Contact our experienced Scottsdale DUI attorneys at Lerner & Rowe Law Group for a free consultation. We offer affordable payment plans, and are available 24/7 to take your call at 602-667-7777. We are here to help you every step of the way. So, don’t wait.