When police approach a vehicle, they are attempting to gather evidence against the driver. It may not seem like it, but they are intentionally going to try to pull information from you, including whether you’ve been drinking or whether there is contraband in the car. Police are experts in this, and they employ common language techniques to extract this information.
Remaining Silent
When police pull you over, the officer will often ask you questions about where you were going, what you were doing, etc. It is best to answer those questions honestly and cooperate with the officer. But as they continue talking, be very careful. If you fear that the officer may be trying to gather evidence for a serious criminal charge, assert your right to silence and request an attorney.
Some people worry that remaining silent will make themselves seem guilty. The truth is that people who are innocent are especially vulnerable to police coercion. It is important to note that a person does not actually have to blow a .08 or higher to get a DWI in Virginia. If the police officer claims you were somehow impaired behind the wheel, you can suddenly find yourself facing serious charges.
The police know what they are doing. They know how to collect evidence and know how to build a case. Fortunately, an experienced lawyer also knows their tactics and knows how to fight for their clients. If you face a drunk driving charge in Virginia, we are here to help.
