Imagine yourself driving on a long steep road in Tennessee; quietly singing along with pop music while tapping your fingers on the steering wheel. Everything’s fine until a distinct sound of siren stopped you from stepping on the pedal.
Suddenly, a policeman tapped your window with his flashlight and ordered you to get out of the car. He then said to you that you have been driving too slow and asked if you have been drinking later that night. After a while, he asked you to use a breathalyzer.
When this certain scenario happened to you, do you have any idea what to do and how to behave?
What is DUI?
Driving Under the Influence or most commonly known as DUI is a federal offense that prohibits from drinking alcohol or taking drugs while driving a motor vehicle.
In 2017, the state of Tennessee received a total of 251 cases of fatalities due to DUI, while 10,874 cases happened all over the USA alone.
With this huge number, all states had issued their stature laws by enhancing the punishment for these offenses. However, the incident continues to be a major issue in the government.
What Are Your Basic Rights Once Stopped by Police?
Just like how authorities have their autonomy to a traffic stop and observe someone’s behavior to identify if he’s under the influence, citizens like yourself also have a right under federal law.
- You don’t have to answer every question. Once you’re stopped by a police officer due to suspected DUI, you have to remember that not all of the questions asked by the officers are bound to be answered. Though they have the right to ask questions, you also have the right to remain silent and wait for your legal counsel or DUI attorney.
- Avoiding any chemical tests. Aside from the right to remain silent, you may also refuse to take any chemical tests or field sobriety tests during the stop. Just to be clear, refusal to take any medicine or tests are acceptable, however, may use against you in the court as authorities may take this as a hint that you’re positive in the act of DUI.
- Police officers need probable cause. Authorities rely on their observations regarding what case they are going to file against you. Just like in DUI arrest, police officers need probable cause before stopping your vehicle. They may observe your driving skills, such as being too slow or too fast on the speed of the vehicle.
Although you have the right to refuse any demands from the police officer, you still need to contact someone with authority once all hail lose. In this scenario, expertise is what you need, and luckily, DUI attorney Nashville Brian Nash may help you along the way.
DUI attorney Nashville Brian Nash extensively promotes everyone’s rights, and he is what you need when you need help for your case. Because no one wants to be arrested due to a drinking incident and having the right to choose your lawyer is one of the most important matters to think about.
