The outcome of your DUI arrest actually begins before you pull over for the officer who has flagged you down. The moment you see an officer's lights flash behind you, the decisions you make from that point on will set the tone for your entire case. Even if you are guilty of driving under the influence, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to remain respectful and comply with the police, to the best of your ability. However, this does not mean you are required to incriminate yourself.

Here are some common requests you will face from an officer who pulls you over for the suspicion of DUI and how you should handle each one:

Proper pullover - Police want to see you pull your car over quickly, safely, and correctly. You should not delay pulling over to the side of the road; you should comply with the officer’s direction as quickly as possible, so long as you can safely park your vehicle. The sooner you stop and park your car, the better your chances of avoiding unnecessary tension and conflict once the officer approaches you. You want to cooperate from start to finish, and pulling over immediately, when the officer directs you to do so, is the first signal that demonstrates you are taking the matter seriously and that you intend to comply.

When it comes to any potential arrest, how you react in the moments that lead up to and follow the arrest can make a difference in the representation and outcome of your case. This is especially true when it comes to being pulled over for the suspicion of drunk driving. The minute an officer pulls you over because they believe you have been drinking, the decisions you make from that point on can significantly alter what happens to you in a court of law. Your driver’s license, record, reputation, your future, and even your wallet are at stake. Even a simple statement or behavior can put you in hot water and make matters worse, which is why it is so important to keep your actions in check the moment you find yourself face-to-face with a DUI situation.

What to Avoid

If you find yourself pulled over for drunk driving, criminal charges are imminent. To protect your best interests and to prevent the collection of evidence that can be used against you in court, refrain from the following:

You have been pulled over by the police for suspicion of drinking and driving. Now what? A DUI arrest begins with an officer directing you to the side of the road based on probable cause that you have been operating your vehicle under the influence. From there, the officer observes you and asks for your information, and then typically requests for you to submit to a field sobriety test.

At this point, you have some decisions to make. Any test you take, along with how you choose to behave the moment you are accused, can and will be used against you in court. That is why the steps you take when you are pulled over are so crucial. Your course of action during these critical moments has the power to significantly impact your case from start to finish.

If you are pulled over for a DUI, follow these steps to set yourself up for a fair trial: