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Here is a list of Top Ten DUI do's, provided by San Diego Criminal Attoney Anna R. Yum, to remember if you get pulled over for suspicion of DUI. A million thoughts are racing through your mind as you see the red and blue flashing lights in your rear view mirror. You feel yourself start to panic. Your heart is pounding in your chest. You start to sweat. What do you do? Stay calm. You have rights. Remember that knowledge is power. What you do in the next hour of your life can make or break your case. Should you be pulled over while under the influence consider these tips:

• 1.  Do use your turn signal when the police pull you over. This demonstrates lack of impairment.
• 2.  Do check your personal appearance. Officers are trained to check this so make sure your zipper isn’t undone, you shirt is tucked in and buttoned up, and your shoes are tied.
• 3.  Do act politely towards the officer. There’s no need to be defensive or act as though you have anything to hide.
• 4.  Do place your driver’s license, registration, and insurance in an easily accessible place. Officers are trained to carefully observe how you hand these over. Difficulty handing these over (fumbling) can demonstrate fine motor impairment.
• 5.  Do make sure to not fumble or trip when stepping out of your car, if requested by the police. Officers notice whether drivers demonstrate an unsteady gait or whether they have difficulty in stepping out of a vehicle. Officers can consider this factor in deciding whether to arrest you for DUI.
• 6.  Do consent to a chemical test (breath or blood) if you are asked to submit to one. Refusal of the chemical tests will result in more serious consequences, such as more jail time and the possibility of a one year suspension of your driver’s license.
• 7.  Do invoke your Miranda rights. You have a right to have an attorney present during investigative questioning or interrogation.
• 8.  Do document or write down the details surrounding your case. By the time you speak to an attorney, you may have forgotten some of the relevant or important facts in your case.
• 9.  Do immediately hire an attorney so they can schedule a DMV hearing. You have only 10 days from the date of your DUI arrest to request a DMV hearing. If you do not make the request within 10 days, then you waive your right to a DMV hearing and your license will be automatically suspended after 30 days.
• 10.  Do consult with your attorney to evaluate whether the officer’s initial traffic stop was valid or legal. Depending on your circumstances, an attorney might be able to file a suppression motion or motion to dismiss.

This Article was contributed by San Diego Criminal Lawyer Anna R. Yum