When pulled over for a traffic stop, one of the things a police officer will tell you is that you need to submit to field sobriety tests and some form of chemical testing, either a breathalyzer or a blood draw. As a result of you driving a vehicle on Idaho roads with an Idaho driver's license (or an out of state license), you have given your implied consent to submit to the testing requested by the police officer.
Idaho courts have stated that "any person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle [has given their implied consent to] evidentiary testing for alcohol at the request of a peace officer with reasonable grounds for suspicion of DUI. Implied consent to evidentiary testing is not limited to a breathalyzer test, but may also include testing the suspect's blood or urine. The evidentiary test to be employed is of the officer's choosing." State v. Diaz, 144 Idaho 300, 160 P.3d 739 (Idaho 2007).
How does this affect you when you are pulled over for an Idaho DUI traffic stop? First, because you were driving, you have given your implied consent to be tested for DUI. This does not mean that they can force you to complete the evidentiary testing. You can respectfully and politely decline to do the testing. However, if you do decline, odds are they will require a forced blood draw, which has been held as valid by the Idaho Supreme Court. State v. Diaz, 144 Idaho 300, 160 P.3d 739 (Idaho 2007). Also, if you refuse to complete the testing the officer may cite you for a refusal, which could result in a one year suspension of your driver's license.
Another thing, you do not have the right to an attorney prior to taking the evidentiary tests.
So what is the best course of action? If you are confident you blood alcohol content is under the legal limit, take the tests. If you believe that you are under the influence, you can refuse the field sobriety tests and the breathalyzer, but if you do, you probably will be forced to give a blood sample. You will also be cited for a refusal which may result in a one-year suspension of your Idaho driver's license.
To develop a personalized DUI Defense Strategy contact Mark Petersen, a Pocatello Idaho DUI Lawyer with Snake River Law PLLC by email or by calling 208.406.9885. Mention "idahoduilawyer.blogspot" and get your DUI Defense Strategy session, a $400.00 value, for free.
Showing posts with label field sobriety tests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label field sobriety tests. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Monday, October 26, 2009
What Should You do If Stopped for DUI in Idaho?
If you are stopped and detained for a DUI in Idaho, these are some things that you can do to better help your defense of any potential DUI charges:
1. Answering Questions. You do not have to answer any questions the police officers ask. You can politely decline to answer questions without an attorney. Why? The only answers that will be included in the police report will be answers that tend to show you were driving under the influence.
2. Attitude and Cooperation. Always be courteous and cooperative with the police officers and politely decline to answer questions or participate in testing. Your attitude during the stop may affect your ability to get the charge dismissed or reduced.
3. Field Sobriety Tests. Decline to take the field sobriety tests (i.e. gaze nystagmus, walk & turn, one-leg stand) because you are not required to perform the tests and regardless of your condition the officers will probably conclude that you have failed the tests and find probable cause to request further testing.
4. Evidentiary Testing. Agree to take the evidentiary breath test, if your are confident you are under .08 blood alcohol content (BAC). Remember that any refusal of the handheld testing could result in a 1 year absolute suspension of your driving privileges. Also, any refusal of handheld testing could result in the police officer requiring a blood draw to determine your BAC.
5. Driver's License Suspensions - Request a Hearing. If you are cited for DUI and your license is suspended (this includes when your license is taken and a temporary permit issued) make sure you or your attorney requests a hearing before the Idaho Department of Transportation within 7 days to contest your suspension.
6. Personal Blood Test. If you have the resources, immediately upon release from police custody go to an available medical facility and ask for a blood test to determine your blood alcohol content, as these test generally are more accurate.
7. Contact an Idaho DUI Attorney. Before seven (7) days have passed from being cited with a DUI, contact an Idaho DUI Attorney. For charges in Pocatello, Blackfoot, American Falls, Soda Springs, Malad, Preston, Montpelier and the surrounding communities contact www.snakeriverlaw.com. For charges originating in other communities in Idaho contact the Idaho State Bar.
1. Answering Questions. You do not have to answer any questions the police officers ask. You can politely decline to answer questions without an attorney. Why? The only answers that will be included in the police report will be answers that tend to show you were driving under the influence.
2. Attitude and Cooperation. Always be courteous and cooperative with the police officers and politely decline to answer questions or participate in testing. Your attitude during the stop may affect your ability to get the charge dismissed or reduced.
3. Field Sobriety Tests. Decline to take the field sobriety tests (i.e. gaze nystagmus, walk & turn, one-leg stand) because you are not required to perform the tests and regardless of your condition the officers will probably conclude that you have failed the tests and find probable cause to request further testing.
4. Evidentiary Testing. Agree to take the evidentiary breath test, if your are confident you are under .08 blood alcohol content (BAC). Remember that any refusal of the handheld testing could result in a 1 year absolute suspension of your driving privileges. Also, any refusal of handheld testing could result in the police officer requiring a blood draw to determine your BAC.
5. Driver's License Suspensions - Request a Hearing. If you are cited for DUI and your license is suspended (this includes when your license is taken and a temporary permit issued) make sure you or your attorney requests a hearing before the Idaho Department of Transportation within 7 days to contest your suspension.
6. Personal Blood Test. If you have the resources, immediately upon release from police custody go to an available medical facility and ask for a blood test to determine your blood alcohol content, as these test generally are more accurate.
7. Contact an Idaho DUI Attorney. Before seven (7) days have passed from being cited with a DUI, contact an Idaho DUI Attorney. For charges in Pocatello, Blackfoot, American Falls, Soda Springs, Malad, Preston, Montpelier and the surrounding communities contact www.snakeriverlaw.com. For charges originating in other communities in Idaho contact the Idaho State Bar.
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