Police are everywhere in Los Angeles County. All of the officers are looking to arrest anyone driving under the influence of alcohol and/ or drugs. In fact, some jurisdictions in California have an entire task force devoted to catching drunk drivers. That’s why it’s important to know how to conduct yourself during a traffic stop or at a DUI checkpoint.
What you need to know if you are stopped:
- After you’re stopped, turn off your vehicle. Place your hand on the steering wheel. Turn on your interior vehicle lights at night. Doing these things will assist police in determining you’re not a threat. It may also reinforce that you’re not intoxicated.
- Avoid any confrontation with police. You may not agree with what the officer is saying or her reason for pulling you over. Arguing with police will only make the situation worse.
- Only answer questions and don’t volunteer any information. When you’re pulled over for DUI or any suspected offense, you probably want to explain your actions. Remember anything you say can be used against you in court.
- Don’t admit guilt. You may want to explain how you had a couple of beers. Again, don’t admit any guilt. You’re not required to admit that you did anything wrong to a police officer during a traffic stop or at a checkpoint. In fact, admitting guilt may be enough reason for an officer to request you take field sobriety tests or give you a ticket.
If an officer requests that you step out of your vehicle for field sobriety testing, then:
In California, you can refuse to take the requested field sobriety tests. You may be arrested, but some people prefer to fast forward to the blood or breath tests at the police station. It avoids giving police and prosecutors any additional evidence to try to convict you of DUI.
When do police have a legal right to search your vehicle?
- Police don’t need a search warrant to search your vehicle at a traffic stop. They need probable cause.
- A hunch isn’t probable cause.
- You do have a right to refuse to let a police officer search your vehicle. You can verbally express this. Don’t physically refuse consent. This makes it look like you’re trying to assault the officer.
Ask the officer if you’re being detained. If the answer is no, the police will have to let you go. If the answer is yes, then the officer must have a valid reason to suspect that you committed a crime.
There are endless reasons why a police officer may stop your vehicle. You were driving too fast. You were drifting in and out of your lane because you’re tired. Your registration expired and you forgot to renew it. Police in the county can stop your vehicle for any traffic violation as long as he has reasonable suspicion to do so. The officer can stop you at a lawful DUI checkpoint too.
You’ve been arrested for DUI, what’s your next step? Contact Attorney Jonathan Franklin. Even a misdemeanor charge for DUI is serious. Don’t let the embarrassment and fear of going to jail or paying hefty fines keep you from calling the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin. Time is valuable in a DUI case. Call the Law Offices of Jonathan Franklin to schedule your free consultation to discuss your case and its possible defenses. Take the first step towards resolving your matter and moving on with your life.
