Many people are unsure of how to react when pulled over by the police on suspicion of DUI. Some react angrily, which is a mistake, while others attempt to talk their way out of the situation. As you’ll see below, this is also a big mistake. During a traffic stop, everything you say can be used against you in a court of law. But is it legal to refuse to talk to the police after a traffic stop in Arizona? With certain minor exceptions, yes, you can and should refuse to speak to the police following a traffic stop in Arizona. Below is some information regarding your right to remain silent after an Arizona traffic stop.
Speak as Little as Possible After Your Arizona Traffic Stop
First of all, there is almost nothing good that can come from speaking to the police after an Arizona traffic stop. Besides providing basic identifying information, you are not required by law to speak to the police. Generally, the best way to approach this type of situation is to inform the officer that you’d like to speak with your Arizona criminal defense attorney before answering any questions. Otherwise, you run the risk incriminating yourself.
Understand the Seriousness of an Arizona Traffic Stop
When a police officer pulls you over on suspicion of driving under the influence, you are being investigated for criminal activity. In other words, a DUI traffic stop is serious business. And as noted above, anything you say can have a negative impact on your case. Given the possible consequences of a DUI conviction in Arizona, including jail time, license revocation, and hefty fines, you shouldn’t do anything that might jeopardize your case.
Remaining Silent Is in Your Best Interests
Every time you speak to an officer following a DUI traffic stop, you run the risk of incriminating yourself. The U.S. Constitution grants each citizen the right to remain silent when questioned by the police. When you try to reason with an officer or talk yourself out of an arrest, you can only harm your case. Remember, you can’t talk your way out of a DUI. Even the slightest misstep on your part has the potential to come back to haunt you.
Contact our Experienced Arizona DUI Attorneys
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Arizona, you need an aggressive and experienced team of legal professionals on your side. At the Arizona Lawyers, our Arizona DUI attorneys have extensive experience defending clients who have been charged with all classes of DUI offenses. When we take on your case, we’ll do everything in our power to eliminate or minimize the charges and penalties associated with your DUI arrest, preserve your license, and help you avoid jail time. Please contact us as soon as possible for a consultation.