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Driving while intoxicated is against the law; yet, intoxicated drivers without any common sense get behind the wheel of the car. The blood alcohol content or (BAC) level constitutes a driver under the influence is now .08% in all states. The motor skills or lack thereof usually gives them away by not following the rules of the road. Without sounding as if I am advocating driving while under the influence, a person who dares to challenge the law should know some recommended procedures if they are stopped for suspicion of driving while under the influence.

If you are fortunate [meaning you have not caused an accident] you will be pulled over by law enforcement. Of course, a person driving while intoxicated does not have the metal capacity of recognizing their errors. Still, in the event that you do have some mental thought, do not attempt to out run the officer instead immediately pull over to a safe area of the road. Never get out of the car unless you are asked to do so. As this would only add suspicion which the officer maybe concerned for his or her own safety.

The officer will approach the vehicle; generally, they will ask if you if you have been drinking especially if they suspect you have,. In addition they will ask to see your driver's license, registration, and insurance. You should never lie about your intoxicated state, as they are professionals and are trained for types of situations. Most likely, they will ask you to turn off the ignition and step out of the car. Do not argue or become agitated, as this will only lead to resisting.

Do not say anything that will incriminate yourself be mindful that there are cameras installed on most police vehicles recording every move and word you say. If the officer suspects you are intoxicated he or she may ask your permission to take a field sobriety test. It would be in the your best interest to comply; remember the cameras mentioned earlier, most likely they were on the entire time recording your erratic driving while the officer was following you and these recordings could be enough to arrest you for DUI and used against you in a court of law.

The recommended advice one can only give is first do not drink drive; however, if you find yourself being pulled over for suspicion of driving while under the influence you should follow all request made by the officer to prevent additional charges. Lastly, do not attempt to represent yourself in a court law, as this can be disastrous to your defense.

Reference:

"DUI Basics." Findlaw.com. 25 Jan. 2009. <http://dui.findlaw.com/dui/dui -overview/.

Learn more about this author, Suzanne Mathews.
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