People in Missouri know that there are many different traffic laws that they need to follow while driving. However, there are many times that people may break these laws by driving a couple of miles per hour over the speed limit or forgetting to signal a lane change. It can be easy to break some of these laws, which is why people can become so nervous when they drive past a police officer or one is driving behind them.
People can become even more nervous if the officer turns on the lights on the squad car and pull them over. Sometimes people do not know the exact reason they were even pulled over. When the police start asking questions, especially if they suspect the driver is under the influence of alcohol, it can become very nerve wracking. People may feel that they need to comply with every request of the police officer.
How people should respond to officers’ questions after a stop
This is not true though. People have rights and they do not need to comply with every request. If you are pulled over on suspicion of a DWI, first you should be polite and not be combative with the officers. That will only make the situation worse. However, you do not need to talk to the officer. You do not need to answer questions about how much you may have had to drink or answer other questions that may help create the evidence the officer needs to arrest you.
It is best to stay quiet and only provide the officer with the required information such as your driver’s license and proof of insurance. If the officer begins to ask other questions, you have the right to decline to answer, but you should do so politely. The officer may still end up arresting you on suspicion of a DWI, but even after an arrest, it is important for you to keep quiet and not make any admissions.
The police in Missouri pull many people over on suspicion of a DWI. They must have a valid reason to pull over a vehicle and then they usually need additional information to arrest people on suspicion of DWI based on their interactions with the drivers. Making admissions that people even had a drink or two can be damaging to drivers. There are many different defenses to DWIs and a minimum amount of information given to officers can help with the defense. Experienced attorneys understand this defense and may be a useful resource.