Going out for a few drinks with friends is a great way to blow off steam. Once you are finished with these drinks, the last thing you need to do is jump behind the wheel of a car. Most people understand the dangers of driving under the influence, yet many people still take this risk. Every year, over 1 million drivers are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in the United States. 

If you are pulled over by members of law enforcement for a suspected DUI, you need to try your hardest to maintain your composure. Handling this situation, the right way can help you greatly in the future when trying to get your charges dropped. Here are some things you need to keep in mind when facing possible DUI charges. 

Being Cooperative Can Help You Avoid Making Matters Worse

Getting pulled over after you have had a few drinks can be a very scary experience. If you feel like the officer in question had no probable cause to pull you over, you may find yourself getting frustrated. Allowing this frustration to take over can lead to some bad decision-making. Becoming argumentative or combative with the office that pulls you over is a horrible mistake. 

Doing this can lead to additional charges being filed against you. The last thing you want is to be charged with resisting arrest or assaulting an officer due to the stiff penalties these charges carry. While it will be difficult to remain calm in a situation like this, you need to show some restraint and cooperate with the officer. 

You Don’t Have to Take a Field Sobriety Test

Like many other subjects, there are a number of misconceptions online regarding driving under the influence. One of the most common is that a person who is pulled over for a suspected DUI has to submit to a field sobriety test. In reality, it is your decision whether or not you want to agree to this test. 

If you feel like the results of a field sobriety test will further incriminate you, it is in your best interest to refuse it respectfully.

Hiring a Lawyer is Crucial

Another mistake you need to avoid when dealing with is trying to navigate the legal system alone. You need to realize that the DUI laws in the state of California are extremely complex. Attempting to get your own charges reduced or thrown out is nearly impossible without the help of a legal professional. This is why you need to find a criminal defense attorney that has experience with DUI cases. 

If you are facing serious DUI charges, it is time to seek out the help of Empire Law.