How to Avoid a DWI in Austin, Texas
Getting a DWI can result in serious consequences. You are likely to have your license suspended. You may also face fines and either jail time or probation. But there are some things you can do to help avoid a DWI. Here are 10 tips to avoid getting a DWI in Austin, TX.
1. Don’t Drive While Intoxicated
The most obvious method of avoiding a DWI is to never drive while intoxicated. Help yourself avoid intoxication by eating something and drinking water as you enjoy your adult beverage. Or by choosing a designated driver, calling a cab, or staying at your location overnight (if applicable).
But if you do happen to drive while intoxicated, the following advice can help you avoid a DWI charge.
2. Avoid East or West 6th Street. Avoid 1st Street too.
It goes without saying that Austin Police Department are more active on the more popular streets. So avoid high traffic areas to minimize your chances for an encounter with APD.
3.Prevent Reasons for Being Pulled Over.
Remember that officers need a reason to pull you over. If you have expired registration tags, broken traffic laws, or broken headlights, these could all give them a reason to do so. In other words, you can avoid being pulled over by following traffic laws and keeping your car street-legal. You won’t get a DWI if you are never pulled over.
4. Be Compliant and Polite.
Throughout all of your interactions with the police officer, be compliant and polite. To start, pull over as soon as you find a safe location. If you can’t pull over immediately, put on the turn signal and slow down right away, so the officer knows you are complying.
5. Have Your Information Organized Ahead of Time.
When the officer approaches your car, hand them your license, proof of insurance, and registration when they ask for it. Always be courteous. Being courteous helps the judge empathize with you later on. Having your information organized helps to reduce officer frustration.
6. Don’t Admit to Knowing Why You Were Stopped.
The officer needs to have a reason to pull you over before you can be charged with a DWI. If you admit to knowing why you were pulled over, you give them a reason. Instead, if they ask if you know why, tell the officer you do not.
7. Avoid Too Much Detail
If an officer suspects you are intoxicated, they may ask if you’ve been drinking or consuming anything else that can impair you. It is best to be honest, but with as little detail as possible. You can admit to drinking, but don’t say how much you have had. Better yet, avoid the question by asking the officer why they want to know or if they suspect you engaged in criminal activity.
This same piece of advice applies to later on in the process, including after your arrest. Take advantage of your right to remain silent so you don’t accidentally give the police evidence to use against you.
8. Know What Tests You Are Required to Take – And Which You Aren’t
If you are arrested, you will be required to take a breath test or a blood test at the police station. You must comply with this request at the police station. Otherwise, you can face a license suspension.
However, you do not have to agree to tests in the field. You can refuse but always do so politely. Remember that you want to be courteous throughout the entire interaction.
9. Refuse a Field Sobriety Test (if you will fail it).
It should hopefully go without saying that if you think you will fail a field sobriety test, you should definitely refuse it.
10. Call Botsford & Roark for Austin DWI Defense.
Call Botsford & Roark if you have been charged with a DWI. Your rights are too valuable to wait. Time is of the essence so do not delay. Call now. 512-476-1900.
