A conviction for driving under the influence here in Utah can cost you the loss of your driver’s license, up to 180 days in jail and thousands in fines. For this reason, the events surrounding your arrest on suspicion of DUI are critical. Therefore, there are some things that you should and should not do if you are pulled over for a traffic stop.
Being polite and cooperative with the officer will serve you better than trying to be funny or argumentative. Provide the officer with your driver’s license, proof of insurance and the registration for your vehicle. However, when asked to participate in field sobriety tests or a breath test, you would be wise to politely decline.
Remember as many details regarding the traffic stop as possible, such as whether you are left alone, if the officer looks in your mouth and whether you vomited, belched or even spit on the ground. If you have the opportunity to document the experience with photographs, they could be helpful later. Contacting an attorney experienced in DUI cases as soon as possible is also a good idea.
Obtaining any evidence as soon as possible that Utah prosecutors may seek to present to the court — along with any witnesses or other evidence you can provide — could help explore all of your options even before a DUI charge is officially filed. Every aspect of your life could be affected by a conviction above and beyond the legal penalties that could be imposed. The sooner the situation is dealt with, the faster your life may return to normal. More information regarding what to do and what not to do if you are pulled over and the officer suspects you have been drinking is available on our website.