You never want to find yourself pulled over because an officer believes that you’re driving under the influence of alcohol. When this happens, they’re sure to dig around with the hope of finding that you’re intoxicated.

There’s a lot that can go wrong during a DUI traffic stop, so it’s imperative that you know what to expect and how to protect yourself. Here are three examples of things that could go wrong:

• You could say the wrong thing: The officer wants you to talk, as they know you could slip up and give them reason to dig deeper. For example, they may ask you where you are going or when you last consumed an alcoholic beverage. Sharing too much information will work against you.
• You could fail a field sobriety and/or Breathalyzer test: Either way, it gives the officer everything they need to put you under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• The officer could find that you’re guilty of another crime or violation: This can be as simple as driving a vehicle that’s not registered or not having your driver’s license with you. It could also be much more severe, such as the officer finding illegal drugs in your vehicle.

What should you do?

If things take a turn for the worse at a DUI traffic stop, it’s critical that you take the right steps to protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

• Don’t resist arrest: If you do this, you’re putting your well-being at risk while also increasing the odds of additional criminal charges.
• Remain quiet: Once you’re put under arrest, you shouldn’t speak. Doing so could lead to saying something that is used against you when your day in court arrives.
• Pay attention: While you’re silent, pay attention to the way you’re being treated and the steps the arresting officer is taking. Should they make a mistake, you can use it to you advantage down the road.

If you’re charged with driving under the influence, it doesn’t mean that a conviction will definitely follow. You can implement a DUI defense strategy to help you avoid a conviction and associated penalties.