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Knowing Your Rights at the Scene of a Dui Arrest

There are few more helpless and frightening feelings than when you are being pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Amidst the chaos and fear, however, it is important to remember that you do have rights. And while no one expects you to possess the knowledge of an experienced Arizona DUI attorney in that stressful moment, knowing your rights will go a long way if you are stopped and charged with driving while intoxicated. The Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod would like to remind you not only to seek qualified legal representation in the form of an experienced Arizona DUI lawyer, but to protect yourself at the scene by remembering and applying these helpful tips.

If you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI, you can expect to be questioned and to be asked to perform any number of field sobriety tests. At this point you should immediately ask to call an attorney. Our office has a 24-hour help line that will allow you to seek advice that can help you protect against incriminating yourself at the time of your arrest. If you are denied your right to consult with an attorney at the time of your arrest, it is a violation of your constitutional rights which could result in the dismissal of your case.

When pulled over always remember that you have the right to remain silent. Other than your name and address, you are not required to answer any questions asked of you, as they will no doubt be questions designed to incriminate you. You will be required to produce identification, registration and proof of insurance, and are required to submit to an analysis of your blood, breath or urine. You are not required to do anything else. You are not required to perform physical or field sobriety tests or submit to the “eye” test. If asked to do so, politely decline.

You have the right to refuse any field sobriety tests or other physical tests, and with good reason. The results of field sobriety tests are dependent upon a number of factors (height, weight, medical conditions, weather and lighting conditions, etc.) and not an exact science. Add the stress of the situation and the odds of passing such tests are exceedingly low. Say no to all requests for such tests; it’s your right and by far your best bet.

Remember that your first move when pulled over for suspicion of DUI is to ask to speak to an attorney. If you don’t know the number of an attorney, the officer must provide you with a phone book so that you may find one. Making this one simple phone call will allow you the lifeline you need to know what to do and what not to do at the scene, and how to protect your rights in an adverse situation

My name is Craig Penrod owner of the law office, we are experienced DWI attorneys protect and enforce your rights when you need it most. Learn more about how our Arizona criminal attorneys and Arizona DUI lawyers can assist you in formulating a defense by contacting our office.

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can someone add me to their car insurance policy without me knowing?

my husband, kids and I live in a split house with my in-laws and their car insurance policy was going to add us to their policy without us even knowing. is that illegal. my aunt works for state farm and she’s never heard of it in her 25 yrs of working for them. i own my own car insurance through state farm and i don’t need two.

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Knowing How High (and How Low) to Go With Deductibles Can Help You Save Money on Car Insurance

Do you want to save money on your car insurance? Of course you do. Everyone does. There are literally thousands of books and articles currently in circulation about how to save money on your coverage, and almost all of them offer you the same advice-raise your deductibles. Raising your deductibles can help you save money on car insurance almost instantly, but that’s not all you need to know. You need to know exactly how high (and how low) you can honestly go.

First, let’s start with the question of how low you can go. Some car insurance companies offer their valued drivers (particularly those with an excellent driving record) the chance to enjoy their insurance coverage deductible free. Yes, that’s right. The elusive zero dollar deductible really is out there. All you have to do is talk to your insurance agent and see if your provider offers it. If they don’t, look around. Your car insurance company isn’t the only fish in the sea, and you never know when you’re going to get lucky.

The lowest you can go is nothing, but how high should you go? How high is too high? How high isn’t high enough? When you pay your deductible you’re opening up the door to spectacular car insurance rates, because you’re footing a bigger portion of the bill. When your car insurance company has to pay less, they’re going to charge you less (and vice versa).

Before you start jumping up and down and sending your deductibles skyrocketing (most deductibles max out at $1,000 a pop) take a second to think about it-very, very carefully. No, there’s no guarantee that you’re going to have to file insurance claims. The lucky few never do, from the day they get their learner’s permit until the day they hang up their car keys. These are the exception rather than the rule, however. Most people will be in an accident at least once in their lives, whether as a result of careless driving, black ice or kamikaze wildlife. (Have you SEEN what a deer will do to a car?)

You may be part of the exception rather than the rule, but it always pays to be prepared. The last thing you want to do is prepare for the best and find yourself faced with the worst. In other words, you don’t want to set your car insurance deductibles at $1,000 a pop and then find yourself without the money to pay it after an accident! Remember, you’re not going to have any advance warning when you have to file a car insurance claim, which means you never know when you’re going to need to pay out a deductible. Don’t set that deductible any higher than you can reasonably expect to go at a moment’s notice.

Tony Peck is the Director of Business Operations at QuoteScout.To learn more about your home or auto insurance, visit them on the web at http://www.QuoteScout.com.

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