Getting pulled over by the police is nerve-wracking. Your heart races, your palms sweat, and it’s easy to feel like you need to explain yourself or talk your way out of the situation. But in a DUI stop, what you say can be used against you. Knowing what not to say can protect your rights and prevent you from making things worse.
Don’t say, “Sure, you can search my car.”
Many drivers believe showing cooperation by allowing a search proves innocence. However, when an officer asks to look through your vehicle, they’re fishing for evidence.
The law protects you from unreasonable searches of your car. Even if you think there’s nothing to find, allowing a search can lead to unexpected problems:
- Officers might misinterpret legal items as suspicious
- They could find something incriminating that a friend or passenger left behind
- Small amounts of alcohol or substances could appear worse than they are
Instead, politely say: “Officer, I don’t consent to searches without a warrant,” to protect your rights while remaining respectful.
Don’t say: “I just had one drink earlier.”
This statement seems harmless but creates big problems. Admitting to any alcohol consumption gives the officer:
- Reasonable suspicion to extend the stop
- Justification for field sobriety tests
- Probable cause for a breath test
The Fifth Amendment protects you from self-incrimination. You don’t need to answer questions about drinking or where you’ve been.
A better response: “I’d prefer not to answer questions without my attorney.” But keep in mind that cooperating with lawful orders (like providing your license and registration) is different from making incriminating statements.
Don’t say, “My taxes pay your salary.”
It is easy to get frustrated in a stressful situation, but taking an aggressive tone with an officer almost always backfires. Antagonizing the officer makes them more determined to find a reason to arrest you.
Instead, be polite and respectful, even if you feel you’re being treated unfairly. This approach deprives the officer of ammunition they can use against you. Remember, you can be polite, succinct and civil while also protecting your rights. A simple “I understand, officer” can go a long way in keeping the interaction calm and professional.
Protect yourself with knowledge
While cooperating with lawful orders during a stop is essential, you don’t have to help build a case against yourself. Staying calm, being respectful and knowing when to remain silent gives you a better chance of protecting your future when facing a potential DUI stop in Georgia.