Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Killers, and more – this year’s Austin City Limits is already shaping up to be one of the best yet. And the police will be out in full force trying to keep the festival safe, as well as seeking out drivers who have had a little too much to drink. During the first weekend of ACL last year, 53 people were arrested for DWI – and you don’t want to be one of the unlucky ones jailed for the offense this year.
Here’s a quick step-by-step for what to do if you are pulled over for a DWI during ACL:
- Be polite and courteous to the officer. If asked for identification, provide it.
- If asked to take a field sobriety test, you should say no. Field sobriety tests are designed for you to fail. If asked to blow in a portable breathalyzer unit, you should say no. There are no legal ramifications for refusing field sobriety tests or portable breath tests.
- If you are arrested, police will likely conduct a blood or breath test on you when you arrive at the station. Refusing these tests does result in administrative penalties, such as the suspension of your driver’s license. However, most DWI lawyers recommend that you refuse these as well. You are under no obligation to help the police build their case against you, and without this evidence, you are more likely to be able to have your charges reduced or dismissed outright.
- From the moment the police make first contact with you, you are likely being recorded on video and/or audio. For this reason, remember that everything you say and do could be used against you in court. Be polite – be courteous – but don’t say anything that you are not required to say.
Stay safe, Austinites, enjoy the show and if you get arrested for drunk driving, you can reach our Austin criminal defense attorneys at (210) 960-9557.