Getting Pulled Over DWI

[DonkeyKongSr]

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Do they have breathalyzers in the US?

In Australia, the cops have a simple little machine you blow into and it gives your BAC. Why don't you guys have this or do you have it and theres some BS bill of rights whatever that allows you to deny it?

The whole DUI "follow my pen" seems pretty ridiculous when there are simple and more precise methods available.

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It does seem stupid the way they do it. I had to do all the tests once. I literally did at least 6 or 7 different tests (follow the pen, walk the line, finger to nose, alphabet backwards, count out 60 seconds in your head, etc.). I destroyed each test as far as I could tell. I wasn't really close to drunk at that point anyway. But, I still took every test. Then I did the breathlyzer and they let me go. I don't know what I blew, but what was the point of all those [censored] tests if the breathlyzer could have ended the thing in about 30 seconds instead of 10 minutes.

[doubLe a tom]

Sometimes people drive under the influence of drugs, and breathalyzers dont cant pick those up obv. But that cop was probably just being a dick cause he could.

[Hopey]

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Gonna cost me quite a bit of $$$ in fines. I dont think Im going to get a lawyer since the penalties are mandatory, so it would just be another waste of money.

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Get a lawyer.

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How can a lawyer help?

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You're right. Don't get one. We're just trying to trick you into spending the money on something so unecessary.

I'm sure the prosecutor will go easy on you. It's in their best interests to go soft on drunk drivers. Besides, if the police did anything wrong when they arrested you, I'm sure the prosecutor will be totally forthcoming and let you off because of it.

So save your $$$. It's better spent on beer and online poker, rather than something silly like legal representation to perhaps avoid getting convicted and screwing up your life.

[doubLe a tom]

Sigh, I dont think you quite comprehend the term "mandatory". Even Johnny Cochrane (R.I.P.) couldnt swindle anything when it comes to MANDATORY penalties.

[El Diablo]

dat,

Lawyers excel at getting people out of "mandatory" penalties.

[neuroman]

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Sigh, I dont think you quite comprehend the term "mandatory". Even Johnny Cochrane (R.I.P.) couldnt swindle anything when it comes to MANDATORY penalties.

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There's still the issue of having a DUI go on your record, possible court fines, etc. I can almost guarantee it's worth at least consulting a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases.

Now, less lawyer talk and more stories!

[tuq]

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Now, less lawyer talk and more stories!

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Meh, this isn't much of a story but in the past three months I've been pulled over twice, both times after a few drinks and neither time did the cop ask if I had been drinking. I'm just very good at appearing sober, I guess.

This thread would be a lot better if one of the cops showed up (ItalianFX is one, can't remember the other one offhand).

Anyway, I'll mention here what I mention in every DUI thread: if you get pulled over and you think you're hosed, refuse all tests, take your year's suspension like a man, and save yourself a TON of money in court fees, fines, and insurance premiums down the line.

[doubLe a tom]

I've been researching a little bit, and the concensus seems to be that hiring a lawyer is just a waste of money. First offense DUI is only a misdemeanor. I have a couple of friends that have gotten DUI and hired a lawyer and said it was no help and just cost them about $5000.

[jws43yale]

Word of note to OOT. If you get pulled over and are definitely drunk, do not answer any questions, do not take a field test or a breathalyzer. You are not legally required to take any test and you should refuse and say you would like to speak to your lawyer first. Spend the night in jail, then any decent lawyer should be able to get your DUI thrown out and your license back.

[doubLe a tom]

Its hard to come up with a good reason for denying a breathalyzer when you are only 19 years old though.