Reader’s Question:

I’m always careful about driving everytime a have a little drink because I’m afraid of getting caught for drunk driving. What would I do during a DUI arrest in Vancouver, Washington and what are the different blood alcohol tests?

Freddie

Vancouver, WA

If in case in the future you will be pulled over by a police officer because of a DUI suspicion in Vancouver, Washington, never ever answer a police officer’s question pertaining to any information if you have been drinking. This would prevent incriminating statements that could be used against you in court. You should practice your Miranda Rights against self-incrimination especially if you are already under arrest. You also have a right to a lawyer if the police officer already placed you under arrest. If you will be asked to take the field sobriety tests, you can politely refuse to undergo any of it because you are not obligated to do so by law.

But if you will be asked to take the blood alcohol test, you simply cannot refuse the test because of the implied consent law that you agreed upon when you obtained your driver’s license. Under this law, you are obligated to submit to a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC) and if you refuse to take the test, your driver’s license will be suspended immediately. There are three ways the police officer use to determine your BAC. First is the drawing of blood sample from your arm, second is obtaining a urine sample and third would be obtaining a breath sample by blowing into a machine called a breathalyzer.

Tags: DUI, DUI advice, DUI arrest, DUI lawyer