Whenever a police officer stops you, a good general rule is to avoid saying too much. They will be taking in what you say, and if you say the wrong thing, they could use it to prosecute you.
However innocent and friendly the chat may seem, remember the police are trained to get information out of people.
Can you just ignore them altogether?
Not quite. If the police tell you to pull over, put your hands on the wheel or step out of the car, ignoring them could have serious consequences. You can, however, ignore their questions and refuse to speak.
A better option if you wish to go this route would be to tell them you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and will only speak in the presence of an attorney. Otherwise, they will just keep on asking questions in the hope that you will answer.
But, my parents raised me to always tell the truth
That’s fine in most situations, but not during a DUI stop. If the police ask you if you have been drinking, the last thing you should do is admit to it. You will not face any further penalties for saying no if they later prove you had been drinking.
If you answer yes, it gives the officer reason to ask you to perform a field sobriety test or blow into a breathalyzer. If you never said yes, the police might have sent you on your way.
If it sounds complicated, it’s because it is. Many people make their situation worse by doing the wrong thing during a police stop. Getting immediate legal help if arrested for a DUI is the best way to protect your rights.