Americans are on notice for driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In 2020, over 11,000 people died from alcohol-related car crashes. Police are pressured to find and apprehend dangerous drivers on the road. This certainly puts plenty of innocent Americans in the path of disaster, but the police justify their checkpoints and aggressive pull-overs, and judges are backing them. So, what does the law say in Indiana regarding DUIs? How much am I required by law to comply with an officer’s requests during a traffic stop?
Can I Refuse a Sobriety Test?
You are probably wondering if you can just say no to a police officer’s request to exit the vehicle and perform a field sobriety test, or “SFST”, as police call them. The answer is, yes. A good DUI attorney in Indianapolis will tell you that you can absolutely say no and refuse the officer’s request to perform an SFST. Try to speak with an Indianapolis DUI attorney during or right after the traffic stop. Contact Potts Law at (317) 951-0087 or fill out the online contact form.
Always ask the officer if their commands are requests, or if they are lawfully backed commands. Police are allowed to lie, but getting them on audio or video surveillance lying to you could be great if things have to go to court. This means you need to know beforehand what you can and can not do by law because the officer is not required to help you discern anything.
Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer or Blood Test?
You can refuse these tests, but in Indiana, you will immediately have your license taken by the police officer and you will be arrested. You could lose your license for a year or more, regardless of alcohol toxicity. The best defense is prevention, but if you do find yourself in a trick bag with the police, arrange to speak with a DUI attorney in Indianapolis, such as one from Potts Law LLC.
