Milwaukee DUI Arrest Scenarios Lawyer

Though no one ever expects to be pulled over on suspicion of DUI, it happens every day all the same. When it does happen, it is usually a blur of fear and panic. If you know what tends to happen during DUI traffic stops, the knowledge can help you stay calm and know what steps to take next.

Every DUI arrest begins with a traffic stop. You could be stopped for any number of reasons: swerving, rolling a stop sign, or even just having a burnt-out light could trigger a stop if observed by a police officer. You may also come across a planned DUI checkpoint, popular during holidays, where police need no reason to stop a car and ask questions.

Once you are pulled over, the police will ask for your information (license, registration, and current proof of insurance) and ask you simple questions to gauge your reactions and look for outward signs of intoxication like slurred speech or fumbling with your documents.

If the police officer believes he has cause, he may ask you to step out of the car and take a field sobriety test such as a one-leg-stand test. It is important for you to know that you are not legally required to take an FST. In most cases, the results are incredibly biased and subjective, can be skewed by health conditions and poor ground conditions, and can do you more harm than good even if you were not drinking to begin with. It is well within your rights to politely refuse and ask to consult your lawyer.

If you refuse to take a field sobriety test, your officer will probably ask you to take a roadside breathalyzer test instead. These roadside tests are also notorious for skewed results, based on poorly calibrated machines or mishandling by an undertrained officer. Depending on your situation, you may weigh your options and decide to ask to take a blood test down at the station instead.

If you refuse a roadside breath test, or if you comply and show a BAC of 0.08% or above, you will be arrested and taken to the nearest police station for processing. It is important to stay calm, observe everything that has gone on, and contact a Milwaukee DUI lawyer as soon as you are able.

Our Milwaukee DUI Attorney Has Much Experience

Our Milwaukee DUI lawyers have successfully defended clients throughout Milwaukee and surrounding counties against all types of DUI-related charges, from misdemeanor to felony offenses. When you are facing DUI charges, don’t take chances by going undefended. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a top Milwaukee DUI lawyer today.