Search Site
Menu
IBC Centre, 130 East Travis Street, Suite #425 | San Antonio, TX 78205
CALL FOR CONSULTATION 210-598-8629

Steps To Take After Police Stop You For Drinking And Driving

Seeing the flashing lights of a police car behind you can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve had anything to drink – even a single glass of wine. However, the purpose of the police force is to serve and protect, not hunt down law-abiding citizens. If you are stopped under suspicion of drunk driving, your behavior and what you say may affect whether you are placed under arrest.

Take the following steps if San Antonio police pull you over for drunk driving:

  • Remain calm – There is no reason to panic. You have been stopped for suspicion of committing a traffic violation or other crime, and the officer needs more information before they can make an arrest. When approaching your vehicle, they assess you and your behavior. Acting overly nervous, disruptive or uncooperative can only hurt your case.
  • Speak as little as possible – If you had even a sip of liquor, beer or wine prior to driving, your breath may smell like alcohol. Police officers are trained to listen for slurred words and detect the presence of alcohol on motorists.
  • Keep your hands visible – The moment a police officer pulls you over, they begin watching your behavior. Constant motion in your vehicle — fidgeting, reaching down between the seats or to the passenger side — may cause the officer to believe you have committed or are committing a crime. The only time your hands should reach anywhere is when the officer asks you for your license, insurance and registration.
  • Cooperate – You may be angry. You may believe you have been stopped unfairly or singled out. However, regardless of whether you had a single drink or are completely sober, never be uncooperative with police.

Know that if you are arrested, you have the right to a criminal defense lawyer and the right to remain silent until your lawyer arrives.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

COVID-19 Notice
We are here to help and support you through these generally challenging times with your specific legal issues. You will be able to reach me or my staff through our main telephone numbers, and of course by email: [email protected]. Phone conferences for existing and potential clients are available, as is the video conference feature through the Zoom app. Zoom may present some privacy challenges so phone conferences are preferred. Please take care of your health by following the measures recommended by the CDC, and by state and local authorities.
Firm Recognition
  • Super Lawyers
    Best Law Firms 2021
  • Three Best Rated
  • ThreeBest Rated
Client Reviews
  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Kevin Collins is an exceptional attorney. Mr. Collins has an outstanding reputation and came highly recommended by multiple attorneys. With the effort and professionalism he and his team dedicated to properly represent me, it is easy to understand wh...

    Read more

    M Webb

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Mr. Collins and his staff did a fantastic job with not only my case, but also putting up with my constant questions. This was my first time every dealing with something like this, so I had no idea what to expect. Mr. Collins always made time to reply...

    Read more

    Jordan Petrovich

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Helped me tremendously at a great price!

    Read more

    Krista Hicks

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Top tier professionalism and extremely knowledgeable of the ins and outs of the legal system. If you need a power house for an attorney, Kevin Collins is your man.

    Read more

    Abdallah Abdelaziz

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    If you are facing any criminal charge you want Kevin to be your lawyer. He has a great staff that will keep you informed at every step of the process. Please listen to and follow his advice and you will have the best outcome possible.

    Read more

    Christian Oliver

See all reviews
Case Results
State of Texas v. J.T. Furnishing Alcohol to a minor dismissed after start of trial despite death caused by accident
View All
Videos
Contact us

Quick Contact Form