July 4th is coming, and the LAST thing anyone wants over this weekend is to be arrested for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs (§§23152(a)(b) of the California Vehicle Code, or other equivalent section). The California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies all around the Bay will be out in force, watching for any signs of erratic driving, and ready to pull you over for the slightest reason. Plus, there will be DUI Checkpoints set up in various locations throughout the 3-day holiday weekend, seeking to discover more people suspected of a DUI.

What should you do to avoid being pulled over?

First and foremost, don't drink and drive; use a designated driver, call a cab, or stay at home and host the barbecue yourself! Watch how much you drink, and by all means skip that “one for the road”! Be sure all of your vehicle's lights are in working other – headlights, brake lights, turn signal indicator lights, and don't forget that little light over your car's license plate! Be sure to obey all speed and traffic laws, and remember to use your turn signals!

What should you do if you are pulled over?

By all means be friendly and cooperative – up to a point! Remember that, unless you are under 21 years of age or on probation for a prior DUI conviction, taking those Field Sobriety Tests (FST's) and blowing into that handheld Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) device is optional. You can simply (but politely) refuse to take those tests. If you are arrested, the officer will ask you to take a breath test or a blood test. After being placed under arrest, you must take a chemical test – either breath or blood. Refusing to do so will only result in your facing increased potential penalties and fines (§23577 CVC).

What should you do if you are arrested in Alameda or Contra Costa County?

Call attorney Lynn Gorelick of the Gorelick Law Offices for expert help and legal representation. With over 30 years of experience in defending people accused of DUI, she has the knowledge and skill to provide you with the in-depth defense you need. Highly regarded both locally and nationally, Lynn is a Faculty Member of the National College for DUI Defense, educating other attorneys from around the country in how to defend those accused of DUI.

Call or contact Lynn Gorelick at 510.785.1444 or 925.847-3006, or visit our website at www.gorelick-law.com.