Things You Should Never Say During a Georgia Traffic Stop

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Whether stopped for speeding or a suspected DUI, being pulled over by the cops in Georgia can be an extremely stressful experience. And it’s natural to feel confused and say things you shouldn’t actually be saying. You need to understand that the conversation you have with a law enforcement officer is never a casual conversation, and what you say can be used against you in court.

I Only Had a Couple of Drinks

Many drivers think that if they admit to a minor amount of drinking, it shows they’re cooperative and not a threat. The truth is that saying anything like this gives the officer grounds to escalate the stop into a DUI investigation.

As soon as you admit to drinking, you’ll most likely be asked to step out of your vehicle and take Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). They may ask you to focus on a moving object or walk in a straight line. These tests are subjective and become more difficult when you’re already stressed. Under Georgia Law, an officer may charge you with DUI if they believe you’re not in control of your vehicle even if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit of 0.08%.

Your best option is to politely refuse to answer any question and instead use your right to speak to a DUI lawyer in Gwinnett County first. Doing this will help you set a boundary, tell the officer that you’re aware of your legal rights, and give you a chance to inform your attorney about your situation.

I Know I Was Speeding, I Was Only Trying to Keep Up with Traffic

When in Georgia, you must understand that keeping up with traffic is never considered a valid reason for speeding. Suppose the speed limit is 55 mph, but the flow of traffic is 70 mph. Saying you were keeping up is like confessing you were going 15 mph over the limit.

The issue is that these statements take every opportunity from your attorney to challenge the officer’s radar calibration, pacing methods, or reason for the initial stop. The best option is to be polite and give only a non-committal answer. Don’t try to guess the officer’s reasoning; you don’t need to. Simply saying “I don’t know” would do. This response would force the officer to state the reason for the stop. Be sure to stay away from providing any voluntary testimony when pulled over by the officer, giving your attorney a chance to take care of your defense needs.

Endnote

If you’re detained or arrested on the road, you should not argue or exchange heated words with the officer. Remember, your fight is never with the law enforcement officer, but it’s in the courtroom. Keeping quiet provides your lawyer with the best opportunity to defend you. As soon as you’re allowed to make a phone call, simply contact your lawyer, explain your situation, and allow them to handle the state’s case against you.