There’s no denying the fact that an OWI conviction, or operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, can wreak havoc on various aspects of your life. From Wisconsin employers doing background checks to you being able to retain your driver’s license, there are many things to think about. To help ensure the best outcome possible, it’s a good idea to understand what your rights are when you’re pulled over for an OWI.
Handing over your driver’s license
When you’re pulled over for an OWI, you must hand over your driver’s license to the officer upon their request. This allows them to properly identify you and verify that your driver’s license is valid. In some states, you may also need to provide the officer with proof of car insurance.
Answering questions
It’s very common for an officer to ask you questions when they pull you over. They may ask you if you’ve been drinking or even where you were driving to. It’s your legal right to deny answering any of these questions without your lawyer present. You can simply tell the police officer that you’re enacting your right to remain silent.
Taking field sobriety tests
After pulling you over for suspicion of OWI, an officer may ask you to perform a field sobriety test. These tests allow officers to judge a person’s reaction to the specific tasks and determine whether it’s likely that the person is actually intoxicated. You are not legally required to participate in any of these field sobriety tests.
You want to avoid getting pulled over for an OWI, but it sometimes does happen, so understanding what your rights are can help to protect your future. If you’re unsure about any of your legal rights, you should contact an attorney.
