If you are being pulled over for a traffic stop and you think you are about to be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (“DUI“), it is time to remember a few things.

1. Remember to remain calm, respectful, and non-belligerent

Nothing will get you arrested and sent to the police station faster than being aggressive, belligerent, and combative. You might not be driving while drunk, but the police will do their best to identify some crime you’ve committed. Further, if you are calm and respectful, that will help very much if you are arrested and there are efforts to negotiate a plea bargain in the near future. Plus, you should not be talking (as we will discuss next). Being quiet is being calm and respectful.

2. Remember, you do not have to talk to the police — indeed, do NOT talk to the police

Beyond answering some basic questions like name and where you live, you do not have to talk to the police, and you should NOT talk to the police. If you are being arrested, so be it. Be calm and quiet during the whole process. Ask for your lawyer over and over again.

3. You do not have to take the field sobriety tests; you can wait until you get to the police station to take the machine-based tests

In Maryland, refusing to take a breathalyzer (or other chemical) test will result in loss of your driver’s privileges. However, that rule does not apply to field sobriety tests like being asked to stand on one leg, walk a straight line, etc. Those tests are flawed and you should consider politely declining those tests. Wait for the machine tests at the station.

There is another reason, of course. When the police make a DUI charge, they often include a driving-while-intoxicated (“DWI”) charge. A DWI is a lesser charge than a DUI, but still comes with hefty criminal penalties. The DUI is proven by tests showing blood alcohol levels. However, DWI is proven by things like whether you can walk a straight line. Do not give them the evidence they need to convict of a lesser charge.

4. Call experienced Maryland criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible

You do not have to call us, but call someone to help. You have been arrested, and everyone needs experienced legal help, if only so they know what the heck is happening and what to expect next. The goal is to get you out of lock-up, back home safely and to avoid any sort of conviction. We are Maryland criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Robert Castro. Our number is (301) 870-1200, or use our contact page.

5. You will be fighting in court and at Maryland’s Motor Vehicles Administration

When you were arrested, they took your driver’s license. They gave you a 45-day temporary permit, so you are fine for now. But, remember, you are now fighting in court to avoid a conviction AND you will be fighting with the MVA to get your driving privileges reinstated.

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Criminal Defense lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601.