What to Do if You're Stopped for DUI in Asheville, NC

Being stopped by the police for suspected DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Asheville, NC, can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether you're pulled over after leaving a restaurant or following a routine traffic stop, when is it safe to drive after drinking knowing how to handle the situation can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. In this blog post, we will guide you through the proper steps to take if you’re stopped for DUI in Asheville and how having a DUI lawyer can help protect your rights.

Remain Calm and Cooperative

If you are stopped by a police officer in Asheville for DUI suspicion, the first and most important step is to remain calm. Police what kinds of drugs, other than alcohol, can affect safe driving? officers will observe your behavior and may use your reactions as part of their evidence. Here’s what you should do:

Stay calm and be polite with the officer. Do not argue or become aggressive. Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked.

Field Sobriety Tests: Should You Take Them?

If the officer suspects you are impaired, they may ask you to perform field sobriety tests. These tests are used to assess your coordination and ability to follow instructions. However, it’s important to know that these tests are not always accurate. In some cases, poor performance on the tests could be due to factors unrelated to intoxication, such as fatigue or medical conditions.

In North Carolina, you are not required to take the field sobriety tests. If you choose to refuse, the officer may proceed with other steps to determine if you are impaired, but it cannot be used against you in court.

Breathalyzer Test: The Implied Consent Law

Under North Carolina’s implied consent law, you are required to submit to a breathalyzer test if asked by the officer. Refusing the test can result in automatic penalties, including a one-year license suspension. Even if you are not convicted of DUI, the refusal can impact your case.

However, if you are stopped and arrested for DUI, refusing the breathalyzer test might provide you with legal grounds to challenge certain evidence. It’s crucial to understand the consequences and weigh the decision carefully. A DUI lawyer can help assess whether refusal was in your best interest.

What Happens After Your DUI Stop?

After your DUI stop, you may be arrested if the officer believes there is enough evidence of intoxication, either based on your breathalyzer results, field tests, or other indicators such as erratic driving behavior. Once arrested, you will be taken to jail and booked. You will then have the opportunity to post bail and consult with a DUI lawyer.

Contact a DUI Lawyer Immediately

After your arrest, it’s essential to contact an experienced DUI lawyer as soon as possible. A DUI lawyer can assist you with the following:

Provide legal advice about your rights during the arrest and booking process. Assist in understanding the DUI charges you are facing. Work on challenging the evidence against you, including breathalyzer results and police testimony.

Facing DUI charges can be daunting, but knowing what to do in the event of a stop can improve your situation. Contact a qualified DUI lawyer in Asheville, NC, to protect your rights and minimize the legal consequences.