Arlington TX DUI Lawyer
What Behaviors Should I Avoid During a Field Sobriety Test?
Popular culture is quite familiar with the concept of field sobriety tests. Countless television shows and movies feature characters being pulled over by law enforcement officers and directed to complete a series of physical actions. Among the most frequently dramatized are walking in a straight line, balancing on one foot, touching one’s nose with alternating pointer fingers and reciting the alphabet backwards. While the dramatization of field sobriety testing may be amusing, undergoing such testing is usually stressful and can result in serious consequences.
It is therefore important to separate the behaviors you witness on television and in the movies from reality if you are ever asked to submit to a field sobriety test. You may be tempted to treat the situation as humorous or to become angry at the officer insisting that you go through the motions. However, your best course of action is almost certainly to remain calm and to treat the situation with a focused mind. You may ultimately regret failing to approach a field sobriety test in this way. An Arlington, Texas DUI lawyer from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC explains how you should handle field sobriety testing should you be stopped by law enforcement.
Avoid Being “Funny”
An Arlington Texas DUI lawyer understands that when people are nervous, they tend to handle their anxiety in a number of ways. One of the most common defense mechanisms that individuals employ is humor. However, a field sobriety test situation is not the time to use humor in order to diffuse tension. Falling over on purpose, making wild gestures, being verbally inappropriate, and other behaviors that may be humorous in other contexts can get you into sincere legal trouble during a field sobriety test. Try to remain focused on the task at hand. And if you become tempted to either laugh or make the officer laugh, breathe deeply until you can regain your sense of focus.
Avoid Becoming Belligerent
If the stop was unjustified or the law enforcement officer who has pulled you over is being rude, it can be tempting to speak or act out of anger during your sobriety test. Whatever you do, please try to remain calm and respectful, even if the officer is not behaving in a respectful way. Do not yell, threaten, become physically aggressive, or run. Instead, remain calm. If you are wrongfully charged or wrongfully treated, please speak with a DUI lawyer in Arlington TX promptly so that the situation can be handled appropriately and you can avoid unintentionally escalating an already tense set of circumstances.
Legal Support Is Available
If you have questions about impaired driving or have recently been charged with impaired driving, please consider connecting with an experienced Arlington Texas DUI lawyer as soon as possible. If you are in a position to try and prevent being charged with criminal behavior, it is a good idea to ask any questions you may have before you find yourself in a compromising situation. And if you have already been charged with criminal misconduct, it is important to seek knowledgeable legal guidance and support. Drunk driving charges may result in life-altering consequences, so it is critical to seek the counsel of a DUI lawyer who may be able to help you mitigate the severity of your current situation.
If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI, it is in your best interest to speak with an Arlington TX DUI lawyer as soon as possible. DUIs and DWIs in Texas can be extremely complex, and figuring out your next steps can be difficult. The trustworthy and caring lawyers at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC may assist you as you navigate the options available to you.
If you have been arrested and charged for a DUI, you may be feeling very vulnerable and unprepared for all of the steps you need to take. With experienced attorneys by your side, there is hope after receiving a DUI arrest. The lawyers at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC may be able to get your sentence significantly reduced, or even get the charges against you dropped entirely.
Talk To a Lawyer Today
The first step is to find an Arlington TX DUI lawyer you can trust. You may want to spend some time looking at the website of Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, and listening to our testimonials. Working with an Arlington TX DUI lawyer can help you in confusing times and guide you through this process, whether it is your first DUI or not.
What To Do First
In Texas, a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.08% is the legal limit for driving while under the influence. For commercial drivers, a BAC of 0.04% is enforceable; for those under 21 years old, there can be zero alcohol in the system. However, not all roadside BAC tests are accurate, nor is every officer’s account of the situation. Share your information with your DUI lawyer in Arlington TX who has the experience to recognize significant details in your case.
An Arlington TX DUI lawyer may tell you that the first step is to spend an hour or two writing down every detail you remember about the incident as soon as possible. An attorney might find information this way that can help support your case. Things you may want to take notes on:
- Everyone you spoke with and what (generally) you talked about.
- Were you arguing with anyone?
- What, where and when you drank.
- Did you get sleep the night before?
- Did you take any medication in the past 24 hours?
- Did you work that day?
It’s often recommended to ask the people you were with to write down what they remember as well so that you can paint a clear picture of your temperament and the incidents leading up to your detainment. Your Arlington TX DUI lawyer may suggest that you also take pictures of the area where you were detained. You can be certain that the police officer filled out a detailed report, and you cannot rely on your memory in the months to come to keep details fresh. Some things to look for as you take photos:
- Were there trees blocking any signs?
- Were there sharp corners?
- Were there any unusual or distracting visuals in the area, such as construction or odd lighting patterns if the incident occurred at night?
- Are there skid marks on the ground?
- Were there witnesses?
Additionally, you’ll want to write down everything you can remember about the officers and your words and interactions with the police. Be sure to take note of details involving any field tests, breath or blood tests you may have taken.
Contact Brandy Austin Law Firm PLLC Today
This may be your first DUI/DWI, or it may be your second, or even your fourth. You need representation as soon as possible.
Individuals from every socio-economic sector find themselves in this situation: confused, fearful, embarrassed, and concerned about losing their license, possibly their freedom and even their livelihood. You need a skilled attorney by your side as soon as possible. To speak to an Arlington TX DUI lawyer, call Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC today.
