You Have the Right to Say "NO" to a Sobriety Test

Did you know that you have the right to say "no"you to do is to take a field sobriety test. This
to a sobriety test?may involve walking in a straight line or following a
When the police officer asks you whether you'vepen light with your eyes. Remember, at this point,
been drinking, you can tell him that you don'tthe officer has already decided that you're drunk.
want to answer any questions without the adviceIf you cooperate, you're just helping him build the
of a lawyer.case against you.
You should get out of the car if he orders you to,If you are arrested, you will have the option of
because otherwise he can call backup and havedoing a breath, blood, or urine test. You have the
you forcibly removed from the car.right to turn these down. However, if you do, you
But that's the extent of your cooperation. Don'tcould lose your driver's license for a long stretch.
answer questions about what you've eaten orThis is because when you received your driver's
drank that evening. Don't answer questions aboutlicense, you gave "implied consent" to taking these
prescription medications. While these questionstests. Sometimes, the penalty for not taking the
may seem conversational (the police officer hasalcohol tests is more severe than the penalty for
been trained in how to make them appear thata first time DUI would be. However, losing your
way), they're actually part of how he'll build thelicense is an administrative, not a criminal,
case against you.punishment.
Remember, you have the right to remain silent.The police and the prosecutors are required to
Anything you say can and will be used againstpresent evidence against you. Don't make it easy
you.for them by handing them their case on a platter
The next thing the police officer will try to getwith your words and actions.