March 17, 2014

Pulled Over in Utah? Follow the Do's and Don'ts of Dealing With the Police

Being pulled over or getting arrested can be a frightening and confusing experience. Unlike the police, you have little knowledge of the DUI process and of your rights. Knowing how to properly protect yourself and what to expect can help you navigate this stressful situation.

Basic Utah Arrest Guidelines to Follow

Following some basic guidelines can keep you from making mistakes that will hurt your defense case later one. Some basic guidelines to follow include:

• Don't Say Anything - Take advantage of your right to remain silent. If you must talk, remember to be polite and don't lie.
• Don't Give Consent to Search - You can't stop law enforcement if they obtain a search warrant. But you can refuse permission for a search without a warrant.
• Ask For Your Attorney - If you are arrested for any reason, immediately ask for a lawyer. Then try to keep as silent as possible.
• You Have The Right of Refusing Field Sobriety Testing - You may refuse to take field sobriety tests but be prepared for an arrest. You would have probably been arrested anyway, but now they don't have additional evidence against you. 
• Do Not Plead Guilty to Your DUI Charge! Your first DUI could cost you as much as $10,000, so it’s important that you fight it aggressively with the help of an experienced DUI lawyer. 
• Important Deadlines - If you are charged with a DUI you must request a driver’s license hearing within 10 calendar days of the date of arrest to avoid an automatic license suspension. 
• Write Down Your Recollection of The Events

Utah has some of the harshest penalties for traffic violations and DUIs. Regardless of why you were pulled over, contact an experienced attorney who will aggressively protect your rights. Call 801-285-5550 for a free case review.