by Clayton Griffin

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

As a law enforcement officer I have a few pointers for what you should do if you are pulled over while intoxicated. First and foremost be cooperative with the officer that approaches you. Do not try to trick him with some lame antic like sucking on pennies or smoking menthol cigarettes. We have seen every trick in the book and they don't work 99 percent of the time. The key to having the stop to end favorably for you is for you to give the appearance of being in control. Even if you smell like alcohol you may not be taken in if you function in a reasonable manner. One key to this is to keep yourself from getting flustered and keeping your wits about you. Make sure to have all your information (proof of insurance, drivers license and registration) in a place that is easily accessible. You don't want to look lost when you are asked for these items. Be prepared to answer the usual questions. Things like, "where are you coming from", "what are you doing out at this time of night" and everyone's favorite, "how many have you had tonight?" Everyone seems to give up the usual "couple of beers" even if the truth is ten or twelve. Be honest. If you had four beers tell the officer. A 200 pound man can drink four beers in two hours and still not be legally intoxicated. Your breath could smell very strong with alcohol if you drink dark beer also. The police know this so don't think you have three strikes against you if your breath is strong and you admit to having four beers. The easiest way to go straight to jail is if you give attitude to the officer. Even if you are not intoxicated be prepared to go through the full range of field sobriety tests if you get on the officer's bad side. Also be advised that many states have separate Driving Under the Influence and Driving While Intoxicated laws. You could possibly be ticketed for driving with a .05 or above blood alcohol content. Some cops don't spend the time writing the ticket in this case since there wont be an arrest but if you make the cop mad enough I guarantee you will be receiving a citation. Of course the best thing to do if you are pulled over while intoxicated is look over to the driver and tell him he should have read this article.

Learn more about this author, Clayton Griffin.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.