Driving Under the Influence in Pierce County, WA
Pulled over? Contact us for help.
Our Pierce County DUI lawyers can help.
Many of our clients that have been arrested for a DWI/DUI in Pierce County were commonly under the impression that it would help their situation by fully cooperating with the officer that had pulled them over. While it is always a good idea to be respectful, there are certain questions and requests that you simply are not legally obligated to answer or perform.
Know your rights – politely decline any requested roadside tests.
According to the drunk driving laws here in Washington State, if you’ve been pulled over for the suspicion of driving under the influence in Pierce County, WA you are not obligated to perform any “road-side gymnastics.” The same holds true for if you are requested to take a portable breath test. These small hand-held devices are often unreliable and are not required. Performing any roadside tests or agreeing to submit to an alcohol breathalyzer test is just a method for the police officer to gather possibly incriminating evidence against you.
So if I’m pulled over, what should be the first thing I do?
Being polite but firm in your decision to not perform any field sobriety tests is recommended. And, if you are asked to step out of your car, the very first thing spoken by you should be to request to talk with a lawyer immediately. While the arresting officer is not obligated to connect you with one along the roadside, he or she is required to put forth a reasonable effort to do so before forcing you into making a decision regarding whether to submit to a breath test at the police station.
7 rules of the road to follow if you get pulled over, arrested or detained for drunk driving:
- Do give your driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration at the request of the officer. Also, identify yourself in a polite manner.
- Do inform the police officer that you request a lawyer.
- Do NOT answer questions. Remaining silent is in your best interest.
- Do NOT allow the search of your vehicle or residence.
- Do NOT submit to perform any type of field sobriety test. These aren’t legally mandatory.
- Do NOT opt to blow into the portable breathalyzer machine that officers often have in their vehicle.
- Do let the officer know that you’re willing to submit to taking a breath test or giving blood at the police station.
The intent of this web page is to present useful / helpful information regarding how to avoid a Tacoma DWI/DUI arrest. The actions one should take when pulled over by a police officer due to the suspicion of possible drunk driving is very fact specific. No information provided on this page should be considered legal advice for all situations, but merely as a general guideline. Please contact a knowledgeable Pierce County drunk driving attorney from our firm today for additional information, or if you are looking for experienced legal assistance in fighting your DWI charge.
FREE consultation with a Pierce County drunk driving attorney – call today.
If you’ve been pulled over and charged for driving under the influence in Pierce County, WA, contact an experienced DWI lawyer at the law offices of criminal attorney, Jason S. Newcombe for help today. Our skilled Pierce County DUI lawyers can certainly understand what you are going through, and will gladly answer your questions to get you on the path of putting this DWI ordeal behind you.
(253) 627-2828
