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5 Things to Avoid When Pulled Over for a Wisconsin OWI

When a police officer pulls you over, even for a minor traffic violation, the experience can be overwhelming. When you have consumed some alcoholic beverages prior to getting behind the wheel, the situation can be nerve-wracking. Whether you enjoyed “Happy Hour” with a few co-workers, or had a couple drinks on a dinner date, getting behind the wheel may lead to a Wisconsin OWI. If you are pulled over on suspicion of driving drunk, do you know the protocol to follow?

Do Not Exit the Vehicle Prior to Being Asked

After you see the flashing red and blue lights of a police officer’s squad car, signal, pull over, and remain in the vehicle. Be sure to put the car in park, turn off the vehicle, and turn on the interior lights. Have your license, insurance, and registration readily available. Have your hands on the steering wheel when the police officer approaches your vehicle. Unless the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, remain seated and inside. Avoid fleeing from the scene, as this will add additional charges and cost you more in the long run.

Avoid Talking Excessively to Try to Get Out of a Wisconsin DUI

Don’t be rude and uncooperative by not answering the officer’s questions, but keep your answer short and to the point. You don’t want to give a whole, detailed story about the events of your day. Instead, politely tell the officer you prefer not to answer or that you have nothing to say. Be sure to appropriately address the officer so your statements do not come off rude or aggressive. If the officer becomes angry, remain calm and politely decline to respond to any questions. Remember, a simple answer such as “dinner with friends” will lead the officer to assume you consumed drinks with dinner. Avoid talking more than necessary.

Avoid a Refusal Charge with Your Wisconsin OWI

A police officer will request a breath test and field sobriety test, which you have the option to take or decline. Buy you cannot refuse chemical testing. Not only will you receive an additional ticket with your Wisconsin OWI, you will have an automatic 1 year driver’s license suspension. Submitting to chemical testing is part of the Implied Consent law, which you agree to when you obtain your driver’s license. The results of the blood or breath tests can be challenged in court.

Avoid Denial of a Wisconsin OWI Charge

Take responsibility for your actions. If you try to avoid your drunk driving arrest, you may lose some relevant information which can be helpful to your case. Write down everything you can remember about the events leading up to being pulled over and anything during the process of the arrest. Every detail counts. If you are in denial of this unfortunate incident, those small details that could be in your favor may be lost.

Avoid Hiring a General Practice Attorney

It is important to contact an attorney immediately regarding your Wisconsin OWI arrest. However, it is important that the attorney you hire specializes in DUI Defense in Wisconsin, such as Wisconsin DUI Defense Nathan J. Dineen Attorney At Law. A criminal defense attorney handles a wide range of cases, which makes it difficult for them to keep up with the ever-changing details of DUI Defense. Attorney Dineen practices 100% DUI Defense and is a Certified Field Sobriety Test Instructor and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE). He has the knowledge and experience to aggressively fight your Wisconsin OWI. Contact at 877-384-6800 for a Free Case Review.