Knowing Your Rights

It is important to know that if you are stopped for the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have the right to inform the officer:

• That you do not wish to answer any questions they have without the presence of an attorney;
• Of any injuries or lack of coordination that you have which may affect your ability to successfully perform physical sobriety exercises;
• That because of said injuries or lack of coordination, you do not wish to perform such exercises;
• That you have the right to decline to tell the officer about any medication you may be prescribed or taking;
• That you do not wish to submit to any breath or urine tests due to their inaccuracies;
• That you do wish to have an independent test of your blood performed to prove your innocence, which you can and will pay for using the credit cards you have in your possession.

• Your Miranda Rights - It is important to know that if you are stopped for the suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you have specific rights. These rights are called Miranda Rights and protect your Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination. In other words, you can assert your Miranda Rights to stop any further questions or interrogation efforts made by police.
• Your Right to Remain Silent - This means you do not wish to answer any questions or interrogation efforts made by police. Though remaining silent is crucial to creating a strong defense, it is important to remember that you must be respectful and polite to the police officer at all times. This includes providing your driver’s license, registration, and insurance documents upon request.
• Your Right to Legal Counsel - Your right to retain an attorney means that police officers may not pursue additional action due to your request to have the presence of a lawyer. You can have an effective defense strategy on your side of the table with the help of an aggressive legal counselor, and nothing is more important.
• Other Rights - If you wish, you may also inform the officer of any injuries or other conditions which may impact your ability to perform a sobriety test, and due to these conditions, you do not wish to perform a sobriety test. You also have the right to decline to tell the officer about any medications you may be taking, and that you wish to have an independent test of your blood performed to prove your innocence.
• Were your rights violated? - Do not let a police officer take advantage of your rights! If you were not informed or advised of your rights by an arresting police officer before you were placed into custody, speak with an attorney immediately. In some instances, any evidence discovered could be thrown out of court if you have not been informed of your Miranda Rights by police.
• It is very important to be polite to the office at all time - You also must provide the officer with your driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance documents upon request.