If you are pulled over and arrested for DWI there are some basic things that any criminal defense lawyer will tell you. We’ll go over a few of these basics in this week’s blog.
Implied consent
- Under North Carolina law, driving a motor vehicle involved the implied consent to a breathalyzer test.
- If you are stopped and put through a field sobriety test, you may be asked to undergo a breathalyzer test as well.
- If you refuse to undergo this test, you may lose your license for up to one year.
- Even if you refuse, you will likely be forced to undergo a blood test to test your blood alcohol level.
Don’t Help Their Case
- One of the best things you can do is to be silent.
- If the officer has arrested you or is about to arrest you, don’t say anything that is not 100% required.
- You have the right to not answer questions about where you’ve been, whether you’ve had anything to drink etc.
- Simply say that you’ve been advised to not answer any questions without having a lawyer present.
- Be polite, but firm about maintaining your silence.
Seek Immediate Representation
- After your rights have been read to you, it is wise to politely refuse to answer questions or engage in any way with the police officer.
- Call on all your memory of police shows to remember that your arresting officer wants a conviction if his arrest of you.
- Maintain your silence until you have legal representation.
When you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer who knows North Carolina law, call McGuire Law Firm.
