MISSOURI AND KANSAS

DUI – DWI TIPS

YOU HAVE BEEN DRINKING, AND YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

When you see those blue flashing lights in your rear view mirror, pull over immediately on the right side of the road.

Roll down the passenger window to let out any alcohol odors.

Keep your Missouri or Kansas car registration and insurance card where you can easily get to them. 

Turn your automobile’s dome light on, and place both of your hands on the steering wheel.  Your hands can be easily seen by the police officer then, which makes him or her feel more comfortable.  This also shows that you are in control of yourself.

Be polite to the police officer and give him or her your vehicle registration, insurance card and your driver’s license.

DO NOT ADMIT THAT YOU HAVE BEEN DRINKING ALCOHOL.  You have no legal obligation to give the police officer any information in Missouri or Kansas.  The only thing you have to give to the police officer is your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.  If you say, “I just had one beer with dinner tonight”, that will give the police officer reason to investigate further.  If you say nothing, the police officer has to decide whether to arrest you for DUI – DWI based on your driving, the way you act after the stop or the blood or alcohol test.  When the police officer asks if you have been drinking say something like, “Would you like to see my license?”  Or you can say to the cop, “I have nothing to say about that”.

The Missouri or Kansas police officer may ask you to step out of your car if he/she decides to continue the investigation.

The police officer may ask you to perform certain physical tests (called “field sobriety tests”) like walking a straight line, touching your finger tip to your nose or saying the alphabet backwards.  You should politely tell the police officer that you will not do this.  You are not required to perform these tests and there is no legal penalty in Missouri or Kansas for your refusal.

Missouri and Kansas driver’s license law require a driver to submit to a chemical test of your breath, blood or urine upon request by the officer.  If you refuse, your driving privileges could suspended for one year or more by the state license bureau.  However, the results of this test normally provide the strongest evidence against you in the criminal DWI – DUI case.   

Mr. Kessler focuses his driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI), traffic ticket, and other criminal charges law practice on Missouri and Kansas cities and towns including Kansas City Missouri, Raytown, Independence, Belton, North Kansas City, Kansas City Kansas, Edwardsville, Bonner Springs, Lenexa, Overland Park, and Olathe.

Contact an experienced Missouri and Kansas attorney, Mr. Kessler, today for a free consultation in cases of DUI – DWI, traffic tickets and other criminal charges.  Mr. Kessler offers a free consultation, so make the call now!  Remember, WE’RE ON YOUR SIDE!

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