Las Vegas is a fun town. But the fun can turn to anxiety if you see red lights in your rear view mirror. If you’re pulled over by police in Las Vegas and you are suspected of drinking and driving, there are some clear-cut steps that you must follow to protect your rights.
This article will walk you through the steps necessary to safely respond in these situations, including the steps you’ll need to take to contact a DUI Attorney in Las Vegas.
DUI Attorney Las Vegas
If you’ve been drinking and driving in Las Vegas, the chances are very high that you will be caught. The police are vigilant, especially in light of the high potential for these incidents to occur on the strip. So, even if you’ve only had a few drinks, it’s always safest to call a cab or ride share.
If you’re being pulled over, the first step is to carefully comply with the officer on duty. Pull over to the curb in a controlled, safe way, and use your turn signal to get there. Make sure you pull over immediately; if you don’t you run the risk of annoying the officer, which might make things more difficult for you as it will make you look suspicious.
When you stop your car, turn off the engine and put both hands on the steering wheel. Keeping your hands in plain sight is extremely important. Don’t get out your license or registration until the officer instructs you to. All of these steps will help set the officer at ease, which will help keep the situation from escalating.
When the officer approaches the car, it is important that you answer his or her questions without offering too much information. Don’t be confrontational and stay very calm. Answer questions carefully with the minimum of information needed to comply. Being direct without being confrontational is always your best approach. Keep in mind that you will be recorded by the officer’s body and/or dash camera.
Note that an officer does have the option of letting you off with a warning if there is no suspicion of driving under the influence. Generally, never admit guilt of any kind. If you admit to any behavior, it can be used against you in a court of law. You do have the right to remain silent and under the law it is not an admission of guilt.
However, if the officer has probable cause that you are impaired, they can request that you take a blood, breath, or urine test. Nevada has an “implied consent” law that requires you to take these tests as a provision of issuing a driver’s license. If you refuse these tests, the officer will take your license, and arrest you. The officer will then attempt to procure a warrant which will allow him or her to obtain your blood.
Thunder Law – DUI Conviction in Las Vegas
If you’ve been arrested in Las Vegas for a DUI, call the experienced lawyers at Thunder Law. Unlike minor traffic offenses, DUI carries serious penalties, so you need a legal team to protect your rights.