If you’re charged with a DUI in Massachusetts, you have certain rights. Learn how to protect yourself during the investigatory process, and call a lawyer to help you build your defense.

As soon as you see the headlights flashing in your rearview mirror, your stomach drops – you know that you’re being pulled over. If you’ve had something to drink–and certainly if you’ve had one too many to drink–then being pulled over can change your life. 

If you are charged with a DUI in Massachusetts, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, you are innocent until proven guilty and, second, you have certain rights that cannot be breached. Here’s a look into how to protect yourself during a DUI investigation – call our Massachusetts DUI lawyer for more help specific to your case.

Protecting Your Rights

From the moment a police officer sees your vehicle, before you even interact with that officer, you have rights. To be sure, the police officer cannot even pull over your vehicle unless they have reasonable suspicion that you are committing a crime. That being said, keep in mind these tips for protecting your rights at various phases of the investigatory process: 

• When being asked to submit to chemical testing. If you are asked to submit to blood or breath testing, or to perform a field sobriety test, you have the right to say no. However, note that exercising this right will have consequences: a mandatory license suspension. 
• When asked to consent to a search of your vehicle. If you are asked to consent to a search of your vehicle, you have the right to say no, and you should absolutely say no, even if you have nothing to hide. Officers cannot search your vehicle unless they have probable cause to do so. 
• When asked to provide details about your activities, whereabouts, or the stop. During the traffic stop or later, following your arrest, you may be asked to provide details about where you were going, what you were doing before getting in the car, what you said to the officer who stopped you, etc. While you should remain polite and professional when speaking with a police officer and should provide them with your name, driver’s license, and insurance and vehicle info, you do not have to answer any incriminating questions. In fact, it is best to calmly tell the officer that you are exercising your right to remain silent and that you would like to call an attorney.

If you are unsure what your rights are or think that your rights may have been violated, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. 

Call a DUI Criminal Defense Lawyer Now

If you are facing DUI charges, one of the smartest things that you can do to protect yourself is to hire an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Massachusetts. Attorney Paul R. Moraski has years of experience and is passionate about providing high-quality legal counsel to clients like you. Call today at (978) 397-0011 to get started.