Skip to Main Content
Blog

Do you have to speak to the officer who pulls you over?

If Michigan authorities suspect that you are driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, they will likely conduct a traffic stop. You will be required to present your license,, registration, and insurance information when asked to do so by the officer who conducts the stop. However, as a general rule, you have no obligation to converse with them.

Talking might only get you into trouble

You should never tell an officer that you only had one or two drinks before deciding to get behind the wheel of your motor vehicle. While your blood alcohol level would likely be below the legal limit after two drinks, this number is not the only factor used to determine if you’re impaired. If you’re having trouble staying upright, slurring your words or have a disheveled appearance, that may be enough to take you into custody. Admitting that you have recently consumed alcohol will simply provide additional justification to charge you with a crime.

Authorities generally can’t perform a chemical test without a warrant

There is a chance that an officer will ask you to submit to a chemical test. Although you have the right to refuse to take such a test, it could result in a license suspension. However, if a blood or urine sample is taken without the proper permission to do so, the results of such a test may be thrown out at trial. Your criminal defense attorney may provide more insight into what might happen to evidence obtained without a warrant.