Being pulled over by a police officer who accuses you of drunk driving is a difficult situation. In an effort to lighten up the situation, or possibly just out of nervousness, you might decide to have some fun.
This might not be the best idea. Police officers don’t take these matters lightly because they are working hard to keep other motorists on the road safe. Make sure that you don’t try to poke fun at the traffic stop by doing any of the following.
Don’t act like you don’t know basic facts
You will likely be asked to say the alphabet or count. Don’t pretend like you don’t know these facts. Not being able to count or say your ABCs are signs that you are inebriated.
Don’t try to get fancy with your movements
Police officers are trying to watch for basic signs of intoxication when they have you do the field sobriety tests. This means that you shouldn’t try to exaggerate your movements or try to do anything out of the ordinary as those types of movements might be construed as signs of intoxication.
Don’t try to run or fall
Running from the police officers will likely be seen as an effort to flee the scene. Not being able to stand up straight will be viewed as a sign that you are too drunk to stand. In both of these cases, you would almost certainly guarantee a trip to the county jail.
All of the things you do during the traffic stop can impact your defense. Be sure that you aren’t sabotaging your defense before you are even handcuffed.
Source: FindLaw, “DUI Stops: What Not to Do During Field Sobriety Tests,” Christopher Coble, Esq., accessed April 21, 2017