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What if I’m Pulled Over?

On The Scene

What actions should a driver take when pulled over by the police on suspicion of drunk driving in Colorado? First,don’t panic. The decisions a driver takes during the first minute or two of a DUI traffic stop can have a significant impact on the final outcome of the case.

The police are required to have a reasonable suspicion that a crime or violation has been committed for making a traffic stop. Otherwise, it may be considered an illegal stop. If you are asked to step out of the car to take a field sobriety test at the scene of the traffic stop, make sure you ask for a full explanation of your rights if you refuse the field sobriety test.Remain calm while asking. You have the right to know what consequences you face if you refuse, and the police are obligated to explain things to you clearly.

It is important to understand that failing a field sobriety test doesn’t mean you are guilty of DUI. However, it means the police may have evidence to arrest you and take you to the police station on suspicion of drunk driving.

After Your Arrest

Following the arrest, the police will seek to administer a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC) level or the presence of drugs in your body. The test will either be a breath test or a blood test. You will be given the option to refuse the test. If you feel you are not over the legal BAC limit of .05 percent or above, it is often best to take the test. If you feel you may be over the legal limit, the test results may be used as solid evidence against you and result in formal DUI or driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charges.

Many police officers do not adequately inform the driver thatrefusing to take the chemical test will result in an automatic one-year suspension of the driver’s license. Again, it is important to ask the police officer for clarification of your rights if you refuse to take the test.

Get A Lawyer

If you have been arrested for DUI in a community in the Colorado Front Range region, call Denver DUI Attorney James Finegan. He has effectively represented people charged with DUI and drug-related driving charges for more than three decades. You can have confidence that he will begin protecting your rights immediately.

Call Attorney James L. Finegan at(303) 980-5511 or contact him online to arrange afree consultation. The firm defends clients against DUI charges in metro Denver and throughout Jefferson County.