If you’re an adult driver on the road, then chances are you’ve wondered what to do if you’re pulled over by the police – including if you get pulled over after you’ve been drinking. It’s a normal thing to wonder about, and it’s important to know the answer.

 

Sure, no one wants to get pulled over for a suspected DWI in Minnesota, but it does happen. So, it’s better to be prepared with what you should do in case that happens. You can at least have an understanding of what your rights are in the situation.

 

Here’s what you need to know about what to expect if you’re pulled over for a Minnesota DWI.

 

Why Were You Pulled Over?

 

It’s vital to understand what police may be looking for in order to pull you over for a suspected DWI in the first place. The behavior that may alert them to your possibly driving while under the influence include:

 

• Problems managing your position in the lane, such as weaving over the lines
• Problems breaking and speeding, like driving too slowly or making sudden stops
• Problems with vigilance, such as driving on the wrong side of the road or stopping at a green light
• Problems with judgment, i.e. turning too fast or making dangerous moves

You are more likely to be pulled over if you exhibit any of that behavior.

 

What To Do When Pulled Over for a DWI

 

If you are pulled over by police while driving, then the next steps you take can really influence what happens next. You should make sure to:

 

Be Civil

 

If you are stopped for a suspected DUI, and you are verbally or physically abusive to the police officer, you will do nothing but hurt yourself. Mistreatment of any kind shouldn’t occur, and if it is done to you, then make sure to take notes – but don’t react.

 

Don’t Talk

 

You must answer questions that identify you, and you must present your driver’s license or insurance information. However, you don’t have to answer questions beyond that. You aren’t under any type of obligation to answer their questions, so you can politely decline to answer.

 

Know What is Legal

 

It’s important to understand that any field coordination test you may be asked to take is entirely voluntary. You can and probably should decline these tests, since they are only used to assess your performance by the lone officer who is detaining you for a suspected DWI.

Tell the officer that you wish to speak to an attorney before taking any coordination tests.

Breath Tests

 

Most police in Minnesota carry portable breathalyzer tests on them to take an assessment of your blood alcohol level on the spot. You should submit to this breath test at the scene.

Later, when working with a lawyer, you may be able to have these results thrown out – that is, they might not be used against you, if you’re involved in criminal court proceedings.

 

 

 

However, ask to see the results of the test at the scene. You want to know this and keep note of it, so you can relay the information to your attorney.

 

Being pulled over for a suspected DWI in Minnesota can be scary, but it’s important to know ahead of time what to do, as well as what your rights are in the situation. This can help to protect you later from accusations and ensure that the criminal court proceedings against you are fair.

 

 

About the Author:

Christopher Keyser is an AV-Preeminent rated criminal and DWI defense attorney based in Minneapolis who is known for fighting aggressively for his clients and utilizing innovative tactics to get the most positive results. He has been featured in numerous media outlets due to the breadth and depth of his knowledge and named a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the Minnesota Bar Association. Mr. Keyser is Lead Counsel rated, and he has received recognition for his criminal law work from Avvo, Expertise, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and more.