| Here are some tips that will help you minimize your | | | | officers. Ultimately how the jury perceives you is |
| chances against a conviction for drunk driving in | | | | extremely important. The police officers should not |
| California. This does not mean that driving while drunk | | | | have a chance to inform the jury about your behavior. |
| or under influence of drugs is okay. These tips are only | | | | 5. After your arrest, If given a choice between blood |
| there to help in case of you are under the influence of | | | | test or breath test, always go for the breath test as it |
| alcohol and do get stopped and arrested by the police. | | | | is more unreliable than a blood test. |
| 1. A preliminary alcohol screen test is completely | | | | 6. Certain jurisdictions video your arrest, breath testing |
| voluntary. If you are older than 21, you can politely | | | | and booking. It would be to your advantage if you are |
| refuse to do a breathalyzer test. | | | | on your best behavior as this would have an impact |
| 2. Just before your arrest for drunk driving, politely | | | | on the jury and their verdict. |
| refuse to answer the questions the policeman poses | | | | 7. Do remember to call close friends and / or relatives |
| regarding your drunk driving. This will ensure that there | | | | you can hear you speak and judge your state of |
| are no statements to submit to the court that can be | | | | sobriety. This would be extremely useful if they are |
| used against you. | | | | asked to give a statement. |
| 3. Field Sobriety Tests are voluntary and you have the | | | | Do remember to hire a good and experienced drunk |
| right to refuse the test. You may not want to do it as it | | | | driving defense attorney to represent you in court. |
| will be used against you in court so refuse to take the | | | | Only this attorney will be able to help you and make a |
| test very politely. | | | | better presentation in your favor to the prosecutor, |
| 4. Remember, it is important to be polite to police | | | | judge and the jury. |