When a police officer pulls you over for suspicion of driving/drinking under the influence (DUI), the first question he/she will generally ask is how much you had to drink today/tonight. Most people assume it’s safe and in their best interest to comply with an officer’s request and answer any of his/her questions. However, the best thing you can do for yourself is to not say a thing. While you are obligated to give the officer your driver’s license and proof of insurance, you don’t have to say anything further. You don’t have to say anything when you’re on the side of the road or when he/she has arrested you for suspicion of DUI.

You shouldn’t say anything else other than to request a DUI attorney. There’s no reason for you to answer the cops' questions without your attorney present.

However, if you feel like you need to unburden yourself to an officer, do it politely and pleasantly. Never argue with the cops.

Remember that what you do is just as important as what you say; cops will watch your body language so they can use it against you in court. The majority of people think they are innocent and end up ruining their case by talking to the cops during the DUI arrest. Save any arguments for your court date. If you feel you must answer the cop’s questions during the arrest, make sure you do it truthfully. If you lie, it can damage your credibility in the court’s eyes. However, it is generally always best to simply tell the police officers that you would like to speak with a lawyer and will not be answering any more questions until you do.

Under no circumstances should you reveal your recent activities to the cops, whether you give it to them willingly or when questioned by the police. Those activities may actually hurt you worse than you think. You should also never tell the cop who pulled you over that you’ve had “one or two beers” because this is probable cause for suspicion of DUI. When you’re quiet, your legal representation has a much easier fight in court.

Many times an arresting officer will try to make “small talk” but what you say then can also hurt you. Believe it or not, what he/she is doing is trying to find out if you are intoxicated. When people drink, they often slur their words. The officer is looking for this. He’s also trying to smell your breath for alcohol. These signs will be used as evidence against you in a court of law.

Remember that anything you give to the cop during the DUI arrest will be used in the case against you. From the moment you are pulled over, do not give out any information. Statements you make out of court make it difficult for the DUI lawyer to save you from jail time or fines, possibly both. Remember that answers to questions asked by the arresting officer is evidence, something he/she wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s perfectly fine to take the fifth during the DUI arrest.

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About Colin Daives: Colin Daives writes general information articles about criminal and DUI law. Each state has different laws and every case is unique. His articles are not meant to be legal advice. To learn more, contact a Denver DUI lawyer or for assistance with your case in the state of Colorado, contact a Colorado DUI attorney today.