Young drivers in New York who are new to the freedom and exhilaration of having a driver’s license and everything that goes with it may find themselves in circumstances where they get pulled over by law enforcement. Speeding, erratic driving and even a broken taillight could be the cause. Whatever the reason, the officer may suspect the driver of being impaired. The manner in which the driver handles what follows may determine whether he or she will face drunk driving charges or be permitted to leave with a warning or traffic citation.
Officers typically provide instructions for the field sobriety test, but there are certain things the young driver would not want to do. Regardless of how high the desire to run away may be at the moment, fleeing the scene is only going to make matters worse. Once the driver exits the car, and the test commences, maintaining balance is vital, and falling over at this time can ruin the driver’s chances of convincing police that he or she is sober.
It may seem silly, but it is important to know one’s ABCs. The officers may expect the driver to recite the English alphabet, and even if it needs digging deep, a faultless rendition may help. Furthermore, it is essential to do exactly what is asked or ordered – nothing more and nothing less. Some drivers feel the need to choose additional ways to prove their sobriety, often causing more harm than good.
Along with the uncertainty of what is to follow after being arrested on drunk driving charges, most drivers are concerned about losing their driving privileges. The best step is to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. A New York lawyer can scrutinize any tests administered such as Breathalyzer, blood test and field sobriety testing, and examine the charges before devising a strategy to proceed in pursuit of dismissed or reduced charges.
Source: FindLaw, DUI Stops: What Not to Do During Field Sobriety Tests”
