Video: What to Do After You've Been Pulled Over

Watch this video to learn what you should do after you've been pulled over.

Video Transcript:

Title Slide: What to Do When You've Been Pulled Over | With Attorney Pat Stangl

Question Slide: What do I do after being pulled over?

"Well, you want to be polite, calm, and focused on what is happening here and now. You want to get your license and registration ready because that's what the officer is going to ask for, as well as your insurance information. And you want to be careful about what you say, knowing that what you tell the officer can and will be used against you.

When an officer pulls you over, they do not know you have been driving under the influence: they suspect it. They may try to prove their assumption correct, but you have not been charged with an OWI, DUI, DWI, PAC, or BAC at this time. Remain calm and polite. Avoid arguing or saying more than necessary.

Remember to show the officer courtesy by turning off your engine, staying in the car unless asked to step out, rolling down your window all the way, placing your hands on the steering wheel, and turning on the cabin light after dark.

If you need to retrieve something from your pocket or the glove compartment, inform the officer and wait for permission."

Question Slide: Do I have to take a field sobriety test?

"Well, that's your decision. The decision to do that is voluntary unless you have a commercial driver's license. The officer can't make you submit to those tests. It's a common misconception that because the officer asks you to do those tests, or suggests that you do those tests, or wants you to do those tests, that you're required to do so. You're not legally required to submit to those field sobriety tests.

In Wisconsin, you may be asked to perform breath tests, the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, the Walk-and-Turn Test, and the One-Leg Stand Test. 

Field sobriety tests have the potential to be somewhat subjective and inaccurate. If you choose to politely decline them, you will likely be arrested, taken to the station, and further evaluated with chemical tests. You are required by law to submit to chemical tests. Refusing them could result in further penalties.

However, if you took the field sobriety tests and failed, you would likely have been arrested anyway, with evidence of an OWI against you."

FREE 10-Minute Consultation

Wisconsin Attorney Pat Stangl, with offices in Madison and Hayward, specializes in aggressive defense for clients charged with OWI, DUI, DWI, BAC, PAC, drug possession and other criminal offense charges. Click the link below to get a FREE 10-minute consultation with Attorney Stangl, at no obligation.