A) For DUI: 1) Be courteous. 2) Politely say that on the advice of counsel you will take no field sobriety test, and that you will answer no questions until you speak with your attorney. Then say nothing further, but do produce your license and vehicle title on request. 3) If you refuse to take a breathalyzer, blood or urine test, you'll lose your license for a year. Blood tests are more accurate, and you can ask for one instead of a breathalyzer, but you must pay for the test and find a doctor to do it (I have that lined up if needed). Remember that the police control the breathalyzer.
B) For anything else: Ask for an attorney during any questioning, even if you're not in custody. No matter what police say, you don't have to answer anything, and they never treat you better without an attorney than with one. Remember that even if you did nothing, your statements can hurt you later. If the questions are from a Department of Children's Services caseworker or investigator -- without a warrant or court order, do not let them into your home. Play it safe, call your attorney first.
C) Always be completely honest; either answer everything fully, or answer nothing whatsoever until talking with your attorney.
Prepared as a courtesy of Attorney Jes Beard 423-267-4391(O)/423-267-6801(H)
return to Jes Beard's home page at http://www.jesbeard.com/
Click here to e-mail questions, suggestions or corrections regarding this page.
Disclosure on Non-Representation Link
Disclosures on Certification of Specialization
Link