What Not to Do When Pulled Over for Driving When Intoxicated

Ten 'Do Nots' for Drivers Pulled Over When Intoxicated

So, you have been drinking in excess and a police officer has pulled you over?

Here are ten guidelines to follow with respect to what you should not do, if you have been pulled over, for driving while intoxicated. You can avoid a worst case scenario by taking this advice seriously.

When confronted by a police officer, do not deny that you have been drinking, as you may or may not realize that you have been drinking in excess. If you are intoxicated, you should not be driving at all. Your general behavior and the smell of alcohol on your breath will confirm the reality that you have been consuming too much alcohol.

Do not fight or argue with the police officer, as he or she may have saved your life or that of someone else. 

Thank the officer for preventing you from being the cause of a serious accident and give him or her, your car keys immediately, if asked to do so.

Do not refuse to show the police officer your driver's license. He or she may need this, for identification purposes at a police station or a hospital, particularly if you have suffered an earlier injury or are demonstrating signs of confusion and memory loss. This is needed to contact family members. Allow the officer to check your previous driving record. You may or may not have a history of alcohol abuse with respect to driving.

Do not use any abusive, violent or profane language, as the police officer may place you under immediate arrest because of it. Be polite and apologize to him or her, as you know that your deeds and actions are not appropriate, when you have been consuming too much alcohol.

Do not drive away, try to run off or to hide from the police officer. He or she is there to help and to protect you, as well as the rest of your community. Do not panic. Give yourself up to the officer or officers, quietly and calmly. Be aware that how you treat the officer may determine how you are treated. The police officer will advise you of your legal rights, so listen carefully.

Do not become violent or abusive towards the police officer. He or she has been trained appropriately with respect to dealing with violent and abusive people. You may find yourself in jail, as a result of violence or abuse against the officer, rather than because of the amount of alcohol that you have consumed.

Do not refuse to take a breathalyzer test. This will help to determine your actual alcohol intake and it may be needed for your defense, in the future. Do not refuse to have a blood alcohol level done either, especially if you are a diabetic. Co-operate as much as possible, as this may save your life. You may want to call your family doctor.

Do not hesitate or forget, to contact your legal counsel, as soon as possible, as you will need a lawyer. 

Remember that any abuse demonstrated towards the lawyer or others can result in future legal action against you. Be honest with your lawyer, as this will benefit you in the long run.

Do not hesitate to ask your arresting officer, legal counsel, family and friends to help you to deal with your drinking problem, particularly if you are becoming aware that it is an addiction that you can no longer control.

Do not forget that Alcoholics Anonymous is an organization that will help you deal with alcohol addiction. You can contact them through others, by telephone or on-line twenty four hours a day.

These ten 'do nots' will result in a positive and constructive change in your life, which will benefit you and your family, as well as your community, in the long run. You will be glad that you did seek help. Think seriously about all of this, before you go out drinking next time.

Remember that driving while intoxicated is a serious, criminal offense!