Avoiding Legal Trouble

Four Tips To Avoid Getting A DUI

A DUI is one of those traffic violations that you definitely do not want to receive. The fines are high, as well as the additional punishments, such as jail time and having your license taken away. On top of this, you are likely going to have to attend driving school in order to get your license back. Of course, the only way to completely avoid a DUI is to not drink and drive. However, here are four other tips to ensure that you are able to avoid a DUI:

1. Don't Have a Reason to be Pulled Over: If you are drinking and driving (which you should never be), but you are driving with enough control that a cop won't suspect you are driving under the influence, they will likely not stop you. However, a cop will stop you if you have a taillight out or your registration is expired. Once they pull you over for this, if they smell alcohol, they are sure to investigate and will give you a DUI if you are over the legal limit. 
2. Don't Drive Late at Night or Early in the Morning: If you have been drinking, you are likely going to be driving home late at night or early in the morning. However, you shouldn't do this. Cops are much more likely to be seeking out drunk drivers during these times of the day. On top of this, there are usually checkpoints set up, which you can get caught in. 
3. Get Rid of the Smell of Alcohol: If a cop has pulled you over for a traffic violation after you have been drinking, you are much more likely to get away without a DUI if the cop doesn't suspect you have been drinking. This means you need to get rid of the smell of alcohol. The best way to do this is to chew gum or brush your teeth. You should also be drinking lots of water and never drive with an open bottle of alcohol in the car. 
4. Be Wary When Answering Questions: If the cop who has pulled you over says they smell alcohol or asks if you have been drinking, do not admit to it. This can only lead to the DUI case not coming out in your favor. It's best to simply state that you do not want to answer any questions until your attorney is present. Most likely, the officer will bring you into the station if they feel you are drunk and not able to drive safely. At this point, you should wait for your DUI attorney to show up before talking to an officer. 

When you follow these four tips, you can avoid getting a DUI, or at least make it less likely that you will suffer high charges for it. Contact a firm such as Hart Law Offices, PC for assistance if you are ever wrongly charged with a DUI.