| Driving under the influence ("DUI") is by far the most | | | | right? These exercises are highly subjective and even |
| common offense that stretches across all members | | | | a sober person can end up "failing" in the eyes of the |
| of society. Simply put, anyone can get a DUI. If you go | | | | cop. If you think you will incriminate yourself by |
| out and drink then drive, there is a chance you will be | | | | performing the exercises then politely decline to |
| pulled over. If that happens and the cops suspect you | | | | complete them. |
| of being under the influence, there is an above | | | | - You do not have to complete the breath test. If you |
| average chance you will go to jail. | | | | are unsure that you will blow over a .08%, then you |
| If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here are | | | | should consider refusing the breath test. Alcohol |
| a few tips that you should know: | | | | affects each person differently and everyone should |
| - Shut up. I don't mean to be rude, but seriously. | | | | be aware of their tolerance level. You may not feel |
| Anything you say will be written down by the | | | | drunk but may still blow over a .08%. Even if you blow |
| cops and potentially used against you later in court. | | | | under a .08%, the officer most likely is not going to set |
| Ever heard of the "right to remain silent?" You do not | | | | you free anyway. |
| have to tell the cops anything. The cops may try to | | | | While it is true when you are issued a Florida Driver's |
| chat you up by acting like they are your friend, but | | | | License, it is deemed that you consent to a breath test, |
| beware! In actuality they are trained to do this, to get | | | | but you do have the option to refuse the test. Should |
| as much information out of you as possible. You have | | | | you refuse, your license will be suspended for one |
| to provide your name, driver's license, and proof of | | | | year, but you could save yourself from an ugly DUI |
| insurance, but that's it. | | | | conviction in the long run. Moreover, you most likely will |
| - Be polite. You won't improve your position by being | | | | be able to obtain a hardship permit to keep you driving |
| rude or mean to the cops. You can politely decline to | | | | to work. |
| answer their questions and ask to speak to an | | | | - If you are going to drink. Don't drive. You knew that |
| attorney. | | | | was coming, didn't you? If you do not want to risk a |
| - Know your rights. You do not have to complete the | | | | DUI charge, just don't drink and drive. Period. |
| field sobriety exercises. If you choose to perform | | | | If you have been arrested for DUI, whether it is your |
| them, you should know the cop will be writing down | | | | first offense or not, it is important to seek immediate |
| everything you do incorrectly. Additionally, these | | | | legal representation. A qualified and experienced |
| exercises are not simple. Think about it. When is the | | | | lawyer can help reduce or even eliminate your |
| last time you practiced standing on one foot with the | | | | charges. There are many factors, including witnesses |
| other leg six inches off the ground while counting out | | | | and police procedure, which can work in your favor. |
| loud for thirty seconds? Or when did you last practice | | | | You deserve another chance. |
| walking in a straight line, one foot directly in front of the | | | | Disclaimer: This article is designed for general |
| other for exactly nine steps down and then do a | | | | information only. The information presented at this |
| special turn and walk the same way back? | | | | article should not be construed to be formal legal |
| Also, keep in mind while performing these exercises, | | | | advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. |
| that if you mess up, you go to jail. No pressure at all, | | | | |